Loan, tax defaulters, convicts debarred from FBCCI poll
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
In the first phase of action towards freeing elections from unwanted elements, the caretaker government (CG) debarred loan or tax defaulters and fresh convicts from contesting election to the country's apex trade body, reports UNB.
The Commerce Ministry, in a communiqué issued Monday, banned such persons from contesting election to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
Under the prohibitory order, loan defaulters, tax defaulters and persons convicted in criminal or corruption cases or in criminal offence like moral turpitude, if five years are not passed after their release, will not be eligible to participate in FBCCI election.
The Commerce Ministry directed the FBCCI to take necessary measures to bring necessary amendment in the organisational rules of the FBCCI under rules-8 (1) (B) of The Trade Organisations Ordinance 1961 'within 15 days' of issuance of the ministry's letter.
"As per the rule, if FBCCI failed to amend rules according to the direction within the timeframe, the government can issue Amendment Order through gazette notification under Rule 8(2)," said the Commerce Ministry edict.
In the meantime, in the current army-led drive against serious crime and corruption under a state of emergency, two former FBCCI presidents and some business tycoons have been arrested and are being put to trial.
The CG has launched the operation against crime and corruption suspects, including politicians, to create a "level playing field" for holding elections in a free and fair manner.