Baira members stage human chain demanding removal of administrator
Speakers at the human chain also alleged irregularities in the voter list, including the inclusion of some members as voters despite having outstanding dues to the welfare fund.
A section of the general members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira) staged a human chain today (21 January), protesting the suspension of the association's election and demanding the resignation of administrator Md Ashraf Hossain.
The demonstration was held in front of the Baira office in Eskaton, Dhaka, amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the postponed 2026–2028 Baira election.
Speaking at the programme, former Baira joint secretary Tipu Sultan alleged that unethical and partisan interference by the administrator had rendered the election questionable and ultimately led to its suspension following a High Court order.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He said the fact that the election was halted just one day before polling—despite all preparations being completed—indicated a deliberate attempt to obstruct the electoral process.
Speakers at the human chain also alleged irregularities in the voter list, including the inclusion of some members as voters despite having outstanding dues to the welfare fund.
They alleged that the administrator unilaterally made decisions, including printing ballot papers, ignoring the election board's collective decisions, leading to dissatisfaction and loss of confidence among Baira members.
The protesters pointed out that in the past, officials from the Ministry of Commerce had typically been appointed as administrators to Baira and other business organisations.
However, in this election, an official from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) was appointed instead. From the outset, they said, this appointment raised concerns about neutrality and conflicts of interest, which they claim have now materialised.
From the human chain, Baira members strongly demanded the immediate removal of administrator Md Ashraf Hossain and called on the Ministry of Commerce to appoint a new, neutral and widely acceptable administrator. They said the crisis in Baira cannot be resolved without a fair, inclusive and credible election.
Baira members including Abul Barakat Bhuiyan, Atikur Rahman Biswas, Mohammad Mohiuddin, Anwar Hossain, Mahfuzur Rahman, EMS Sagar, Awlad Hossain, Mohammad Shahin and Kabir Hossain, among others, participated in the programme and urged the authorities, through the media, to take swift action to ensure a democratic and acceptable election in BAIRA.
What the BAIRA administrator says
Responding to the allegations, Baira administrator Md Ashraf Hossain told The Business Standard that the election was conducted in full compliance with the Trade Organisations Rules 2025.
He claimed that the writ petition filed in the High Court (No. 119/2026) was based on references to the outdated 1994 rules, which are no longer applicable, alleging that the petitioner filed the case without a proper understanding of the new 2025 rules.
Regarding allegations over the voter list, Ashraf Hossain said the responsibility for preparing the list lies entirely with the election board and the election appeal board.
Following directives from the appeal board, 115 members were included in the voter list, which the election board implemented. He denied any interference by the administrator or Baira officials in this process.
On the issue of the panel system, he said the 2025 rules allow individuals to purchase nomination papers and contest elections independently. As 27 applications were submitted opposing the panel system, there was no legal scope to proceed in that manner.
He maintained that no existing law or regulation had been violated.
