71 candidates to contest Chattogram Chamber election on 1 November
This year, 18 of the chamber’s 24 director posts will be decided through voting
Seventy-one business leaders have submitted nominations to contest the upcoming board of directors' election of the century-old Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
Sunday was the final day for submissions, with candidates filing papers in four categories at the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner's office, the Election Commission confirmed.
This year, 18 of the chamber's 24 director posts will be decided through voting. The Ordinary category has drawn the highest competition, with 48 candidates vying for 12 seats, while the Associate category has 17 candidates contesting six seats. In contrast, no polling will take place for the six posts under the Town Association and Trade Group categories, as one nominee from each organisation in these groups will be elected unopposed.
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Two full panels have entered the race. Prominent businessman Amirul Haque has submitted nominations for 22 candidates in the Ordinary category, eight in the Associate category, and six across the Trade and Group categories. His rival slate, led by SM Nurul Haque, has also filed nominations for a complete panel.
Speaking to reporters after filing his papers, Amirul Haque said he was running without political affiliation, pledging to build a chamber free from political influence. "Our goal is to turn Chattogram into a true commercial hub," he said. Nurul Haque, in contrast, emphasised his panel's commitment to supporting businesses through both challenges and growth, and to strengthening the chamber as an independent trade body.
Business leaders say they expect the next board to prioritise long-standing concerns such as customs harassment and what they view as discriminatory treatment of Chattogram. They pointed to mandatory highway weigh-scale checks and a 13-ton truckload limit, which they argue are undermining businesses in the country's principal port city.
According to the election schedule, voting is set for 1 November. The final list of candidates will be published on 5 October, following scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations.
