The Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has sought an additional 120 days from the Ministry of Commerce to hold the chamber’s election.
Business leaders held a meeting at the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner’s Office with the chamber’s Administrator Muhammad Anowar Pasha yesterday (24 September).
At the meeting, they called for the CCCI election to be conducted following the implementation of several reforms, including a review of its membership.
In response to the demands, Pasha, also the additional divisional commissioner (general) said, “I have been appointed for 120 days to hold a fair and neutral election. But this is not possible.
“Therefore, we have written to the Ministry of Commerce to extend the time by another 120 days,” he added.
He further said, “I am consulting with all business groups to ensure a fair election. We’re working on implementing the suggestions we deem appropriate, as our primary objective is to pass on the responsibility to the right candidate.”
At the meeting, the business leaders expressed concerns about various allegations related to membership and emphasised the need to prioritise reforming the chamber before the elections.
They demanded that the membership verification process and voter list update be completed before holding the election.
Additionally, they called for a comprehensive audit of all chamber accounts from 2014 to 2024 by a competent auditor. Individuals who were selected as directors during these 17 years and have alleged links to the former autocratic regime involved in genocide and crimes against humanity should be disqualified from contesting the upcoming election.
They further demanded a thorough investigation into the rental charges of the World Trade Center space, as well as the alleged rent collected in the name of Port Grand University. The rightful dues should be remitted to the chamber.
Moreover, they suggested forming an election board and an appeal board with qualified individuals and appointing a trade body expert as a law adviser.
