Commerce ministry suspends Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association election, appoints administrator
The administrator has been tasked to update the voter list and hold a fair and neutral election within 120 days.
The Ministry of Commerce has suspended the upcoming 2025–2027 election of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents' Association (BSAA) scheduled for tomorrow (9 October), citing internal unrest, allegations of threats against candidates and mismanagement in the election process.
In an official order issued yesterday, the ministry also dissolved the BSAA's executive committee and appointed Joint Secretary Sharmin Jahan, who also serves as additional divisional commissioner (revenue) in Chattogram, as administrator.
She has been tasked to update the voter list and hold a fair and neutral election within 120 days.
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The decision came following multiple complaints and hearings held by the Directorate of Trade Organizations.
According to the order, several members alleged that despite purchasing nomination forms, they were not allowed to submit them, and some even received threats and intimidation.
A general diary (GD) regarding these threats was lodged with the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP).
The ministry also noted that one of the candidates who collected a nomination form was dropped from the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry election list without explanation, and the election commissioner failed to act on it.
The order stated that the BSAA president's response to a show-cause notice was unsatisfactory and that he has been unable to play an effective role amid growing unrest and dissatisfaction within the association.
It further observed that poor coordination between the executive committee and the election commission has disrupted normal operations, affecting trade and business interests.
A Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) representative also informed the ministry that the association was not functioning properly and that a conducive environment for the scheduled election did not exist.
Citing Section 17 of the Trade Organization Act, 2022, the Ministry of Commerce decided to dissolve the current board and install an administrator to restore order and ensure a credible election.
