BKMEA, BGMEA set for elections to ensure democratic leadership

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have announced plans to hold elections of boards of directors and office bearers for the 2025-2027 term.

After a considerable hiatus, BKMEA has revealed the election schedule for the upcoming term, marking a return to a democratic process for electing its leadership. Last time the association saw a participatory election was in 2012.

The BKMEA election is scheduled to be held on 10 May 2025 at two venues: BKMEA's head office in Chashara, Narayanganj, and its Dhaka office. Voting will take place from 9am to 5pm without interruption.

AKM Salim Osman, a former Naryanganj lawmaker, served as the association's presidency for the seventh consecutive term until 2024.

His panel, the "Sommilito Knit Forum," contested the election for the first time in 2010 under the leadership of panel leader Mohammad Hatem. However, as being a lawmaker from the ruling Awami League at the time, he initially sought a six-month presidency. He subsequently remained in the role, according to people in the know.

In 2012, another panel led by former president Fazlul Haque participated, but since then, only one panel has submitted nominations, leading to unopposed elections.

Salim Osman stepped down on 25 August 2024, following the July uprising. He was replaced by Mohammad Hatem, managing director of MB Knit Fashion Ltd, who was elected by the board as president to continue the 2024-2025 term till September this year.

According to the election schedule, the primary voter list will be released on 13 March, with a final voter list to be published by 25 March after addressing any complaints.

Nomination lists will be made public on 16 April, with the opportunity for candidates to withdraw by 19 April at 3pm. Final candidate lists will be posted the same day, and voters can collect their ID cards from 20 April to 8 May.

The election results will be announced on 10 May, with any complaints addressed before the final results are declared on 14 May. The election for office bearers will follow on 15 May, with results published by 17 May.

Shafiullah Chowdhury, chairman of the BKMEA Election Board, issued the schedule, stressing that the election will be conducted in accordance with the Trade Organisation Rules of 1994 and BKMEA's Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Speaking to The Business Standard, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem expressed optimism that the early elections would help democratise the association.  "Our members have long been deprived of their democratic rights," Hatem said.

"We decided to hold early elections, forming both the Election Board and the Appeal Board. After the July uprising, the then-president resigned for personal reasons, leading to a leadership vacuum, and I was elected to serve the remainder of the term."

BGMEA to announce poll schedule soon

BGMEA is set to announce its election schedule for the 2025-2027 term by next week, according to sources.

On 20 October, the government appointed Md Anwar Hossain, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), as the administrator of BGMEA.

BGMEA sources say the administrator is tasked with overseeing the elections within 120 days and ensuring a free and fair process. BGMEA has already formed two boards for the elections – the Election Board and the Election Appellate Board – but has not yet released their details.

Mohammad Iqbal, a former additional secretary, will chair the Election Board, with Ashraf Ahmed, former president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Rupali Chowdhury, former president of the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce & Industry, as members.

Nasim Monzur, former president of the Bangladesh Leather Goods and Footwear Exporters Association, will chair the Election Appellate Board, with Barrister Syed Afzal Hasan Uddin and former additional secretary Kudrat-e-Khuda as members.