A meeting titled “Repeal FBCCI’s black law, administrator and supporting committee and conduct elections by speedy reform” was held at the Ladies Club in Dhaka on Tuesday (May 20, 2025) under the banner of ‘FBCCI Interest Protection Council’.
The speakers at the meeting alleged that as part of the reform of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the apex organization of traders, some clauses have been added to the new rules prepared by the Ministry of Commerce, which are a conspiracy to deprive a large business community from elections.
They said that the vetting of the Law Ministry has already been completed on the draft rules prepared by the Ministry of Commerce. Now it is only waiting for the issuance of a notification after the opinion of the Commerce Advisor. However, they alleged that the word ‘previously’ was added to the draft to remove directors who had served in the past from the election.
The speakers at the meeting said that the businessmen had accepted the proposal of taking a break after serving in two consecutive terms in discussions with the administrator. But later, the attempt to suddenly change the rules and disqualify the election based on past service is unacceptable.
They expressed fear that this clause may not only apply to FBCCI, but also to other business chambers and associations in the country. As a result, widespread concern has arisen among the entire business community.
The speakers at the meeting warned in clear language that such a conspiracy will not be allowed to succeed. If necessary, business establishments across the country will be closed and a strong movement will be launched.
Present at the meeting were Anwar Hossain, convener of the ‘FBCCI Interest Protection Council’, joint conveners Niaz Ali Chishti, Abu Motaleb, Khandaker Ruhul Amin and member secretary Jalal Uddin.
In addition, former director of FBCCI Haji Enayet Ullah, business leaders Kausar Ahmed, Haji Abul Hashem and many other prominent business leaders also spoke at the meeting.
