FBCCI poll chief toughens stance on foul play

The head of election to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) board warned Thursday of action against violation of code of conduct by candidates.
"The candidates contesting the FBCCI election must follow the election code of conduct. Otherwise, we'll take action against them," said Prof Md Ali Ashraf, chairman of the apex trade body's election board.
His warning came at a projection meeting of Association Group for the biennial polls (2015-17) of the FBCCI at a city hotel.
Swadhinata Bebshayee Parishad (SBP) led by current first vice-president of FBCCI Monowara Hakim Ali, Beboshayee Oikkya Parishad (BOP) led by Syed Moazzam Hossain and Unnayan Parishad (UP) led by Abdul Matlub Ahmed are now contesting the apex trade body's election. Jakia Sultana Mithila, an independent candidate, is also in the race.
The election to the FBCCI executive body will be held on May 23, while the election to posts of president and two vice-presidents on May 25.
"I hope the candidates and the voters should respect the election code of conduct," the chairman of the election board said.
"We'll hold a neutral election. If any candidate violates the election code of conduct, then his or her candidacy will be cancelled and be fined," Prof Ashraf said.
He called upon the candidates to keep restraint from issuing any political speeches and attack on personal affairs.
President of FBCCI Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed said that they had confidence in election board chairman. He called upon the contesting candidates to trust the board.
He called upon the candidates and the voters to uphold the images of the country's apex trade body.
He expressed the hope that the new FBCCI board of directors in the upcoming election will work with the government for the benefits of the businessmen.  
"We want change. We want reform. We want to see honest, dedicated and experienced persons in the FBCCI, who will serve the business people's interests," Syed Moazzam Hossain, the panel head of BOP, said.
"If we're (his panel) elected, then we will set up different cells including SMEs (small and medium enterprises) at FBCCI," he said.
Candidates from different business associations also sought votes to the voters.
The UP panel announced its election manifesto and projection of panel candidates that include lowering interest rate at single digit, modernisation of the FBCCI and development of businesses.
"I call upon you (voters,) please elect candidates of Unnyan Parishad (UP) for modernisation of FBCCI," Abdul Matlub Ahmad, head of the UP panel said while announcing the election manifesto.
The UP in the election manifesto also pledged to set up industrial cities in all districts, give authority to all chambers for issuing trade licence, construct new buildings for district chambers with modern facilities, establish an effective research cell at FBCCI, introduce digital service, give facilities to the women and new entrepreneurs, set up service centre for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and develop the tourism sector and brand Bangladesh.
The SBP panel in the election manifesto announced on May 2 pledged to work for implementation of the Vision 2021 of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, boost economic growth, expand trade and business, increase local and foreign investments, create jobs and involve women in the mainstream economic development.
The SBP will also promised to bring down the bank interest rate to a single digit, work for increasing investment in SME sector and making tax, VAT, export and import policies business-friendly and simple, set up a modernised e-commerce centre along with an updated database in each district chamber office.
The BOP announced a panel on May 3 last for the upcoming election to the country's apex trade body.
It pledged to work hard to restore confidence of the investors in the share market, give all necessary facilities to the women entrepreneurs and ensure transparency in all the activities of the FBCCI.
    talhabinhabib@yahoo.com