JCI Chattogram hands over leadership to new executive committee

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Chattogram formally handed over leadership to its newly elected executive committee at a chain handover ceremony held on Tuesday (27 January) night at the Mohona Hall of Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View.

The event marked the transfer of responsibility to Junaid Ahmed Rahat, who assumed office as president for the new term. The outgoing committee presented a summary of its activities, achievements and challenges, while the new leadership outlined its priorities and action plan for the year ahead, according to a press release.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain attended the programme as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasised the importance of youth leadership in economic recovery and urban development, urging young entrepreneurs and professionals to take an active role in shaping Chattogram's future as a commercial hub.

Addressing the new leadership, the mayor said organisations like JCI play a key role in preparing young people for leadership by promoting entrepreneurship, ethical values and civic responsibility. He assured continued support from the city corporation in creating a favourable environment for youth-led initiatives.

Newly elected president Junaid Ahmed Rahat said JCI Chattogram, now in its 14th year, would continue working to develop young leaders and entrepreneurs. "JCI is a platform for leadership. We want to move forward by building on our past experiences and expanding our impact," he said.

Special guests at the ceremony included Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association President Md Amirul Haque, BNP international affairs sub-committee member and entrepreneur Israfil Khosru, Chattogram C&F Agents Association President SM Saiful Alam, and PHP Family Director and Honorary Consul of Malaysia Mohammad Akhtar Parvez.

The new executive committee features Golam Sarwar Chowdhury as immediate past president, Dr Jewel Rahman and Al Amin Meheraj Bappi as executive vice-presidents, and Saad Bin Mustafiz Anindo, Md Sadek Ur Rahman Sadaf, Anik Chowdhury, Engineer Taimur Ahmed and Mohammad Anas as vice-presidents. Muntasir Al Mahmud has been appointed treasurer, with Saihan Hasnat as executive assistant to the president.

Other key appointments include Shahed Ali Saki as GLC, Taiyabur Rahman Jawad as local training commissioner, Shahab Uddin Chowdhury as international affairs chairperson, Dr Nurul Kabir Masum as media and PR chairperson, Kaiser Hamid Farhad as JCI in Business chairperson, and Sakib Chowdhury as strategic planning chairperson.

The election was overseen by Ismail Munna, vice-president of JCI Bangladesh and JCI Chattogram's president for 2024. Senior leaders from JCI Bangladesh and several former presidents of JCI Chattogram were also present.

Founded in 2012, JCI Chattogram works with young people aged 18 to 40 to promote leadership development, entrepreneurship and social engagement.