The biennial election of the Bangladesh Packaging and Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPAMEA) for the 2026-2028 term has been suspended amid legal disputes, casting uncertainty over the electoral process.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, hearings on election-related complaints were rescheduled several times. A hearing initially fixed for July 23 was deferred to July 27. On July 26, the ministry first postponed the hearing due to unavoidable circumstances, but later the same day withdrew the order and directed that the hearing be held at 11:30 am on July 27 under the chairmanship of the Director General of Trade Organisations.
People familiar with the matter said multiple complaints and legal challenges have effectively stalled the election process. No revised election schedule has been announced, with the next course of action depending on the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Oikko Parishad panel expressed deep concern over the suspension, alleging an attempt to obstruct the democratic electoral process.
"Our country's business community is passing through a difficult period. At such a time, we are
participating in the BPAMEA election through a democratic process. Unfortunately, a vested quarter, continuing its old practices, is once again trying to derail the election," Md Shahriar, panel leader of Oikko Parishad and managing director of Ajdi Trims Ltd, said in a statement.
He alleged that none of the candidates named in the complaints had been invited to the Ministry of Commerce hearing or given an opportunity to present their defence.
The election was scheduled to be held on August 1.
According to the Election Board's final list of candidates, Md Shahriar, managing director of Ajdi Trims Ltd and leader of the Oikko Parishad panel, was set to contest the presidency against independent candidate Jamil Ahmed, managing director of Britannia Label BD Ltd.
Earlier, Jamil Ahmed filed a complaint with the Trade Organisations Wing of the Ministry of Commerce, alleging that the incumbent president and second vice-president, who are seeking re-election to the same posts, had already served on the board for three consecutive terms.
In his complaint, Ahmed alleged that the election board and election office constituted by the incumbent board could not ensure a "free and impartial election."
newsmanjasi@gmail.com