Business leaders demand removal of Chattogram chamber administrator
The protest called for Pasha’s immediate dismissal and the appointment of a neutral administrator to ensure a fair election
Business leaders in Chattogram today staged a human chain and demonstration demanding the removal of Mohammad Anwar Pasha, administrator of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
The protest, organised under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Business Forum in front of the World Trade Center in Agrabad, called for Pasha's immediate dismissal and the appointment of a neutral administrator to ensure a fair election.
Speakers, including Mohammad Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, Abu Faiz Khan, and Didarul Alam Chowdhury, criticised Pasha for exceeding his mandate. He was tasked to verify membership, reform the chamber, and hold elections within 180 days, but instead extended his tenure and set schedules unilaterally.
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They faulted him for shortening the membership renewal deadline from 30 September to 1 September, leaving thousands unable to renew. As a result, only about 7,000 valid members remain out of 13,700.
Leaders also alleged irregularities in voter categories, particularly in the associate and town group segments, which they claimed unfairly benefited a small circle of traders.
"The century-old chamber is being dragged into crisis," warned Shahidul Islam Chowdhury. "We need competent leadership chosen by all members, but under this administrator, a fair election is impossible."
On 4 September, business leaders sent a letter to Commerce Ministry adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, denouncing Pasha's leadership and arguing the chamber has become ineffective as a bridge between government and traders.
The letter highlighted financial mismanagement. Leaders said the World Trade Center project has stalled while the chamber loses over Tk1 crore monthly. Assets, vehicles, and facilities are allegedly being misused by unauthorised staff.
They further criticised Pasha for partisan activity, alleging he extended his tenure to benefit one group. They said his proposal to abolish "Town Association" and "Trade Group" memberships has fuelled confusion and mistrust.
Founded in 1906, the Chittagong Chamber is the country's oldest and one of its most influential trade bodies. Representing more than 13,000 members across industries, it plays a key role in policy advocacy, port and customs reforms, and investment promotion.
Business leaders say that without a properly elected board, both the government and the private sector are losing an essential platform for dialogue at a time when the economy faces pressure from global uncertainties.
