Legal disputes keep CCCI election in limbo despite HC directives

Uncertainty continues to cloud the biennial election of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), as fresh legal challenges have stalled the process despite recent court directives. 

Although a High Court order had partially cleared the way for the long-delayed vote, the chamber administration has yet to announce a new schedule. 

The CCCI election board chief Monwara Begum said that a new date would be set after consultations with stakeholders, but as of yesterday (27 December), no meeting had taken place.

The crisis stems from the political upheaval following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August last year, which led to the resignation of the CCCI board on 2 September. 

Since then, the chamber has been run by an administrator. 

Representatives of at least seven business organisations have expressed frustration, warning that nearly a year without elected leadership weakens the city's ability to influence policy decisions. 

Long wait for a competitive vote

Business leaders had hoped this election would restore direct voting after more than a decade; the last contested election was held in 2013, and all boards since have been formed uncontested. 

This time, two panels were announced: the Sammilito Business Parishad, led by former BGMEA first vice-president SM Nurul Haque, and the United Business Forum, led by former FBCCI director Amirul Haque. 

Following the publication of the final candidate list, both panels engaged actively with trade bodies and organised programmes, including gatherings on Chattogram port issues. 

Once the matter moved to court, campaign activities stalled, leaving the election process effectively inactive.

With around 7,000 preliminary voters, both panels have voiced dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay. 

Mohammad Amirul Haque, leader of the United Business Forum, noted that while the chamber had been informed of the court's latest order, no decision had followed. "Elections are being held in other organisations. A prompt decision on the chamber election is necessary," he said.

Core dispute over voter categories

The main legal complication centres on the chamber's electoral structure and the election board's lack of decisive action. 

Under CCCI rules, 12 directors are elected from the general category, six from the associate category, and three each from the town association and trade group categories; these directors then elect a president and two vice-presidents.

The chamber initially requested the Ministry of Commerce to exclude eight organisations from the town association and trade group categories. 

On 4 September, the ministry allowed their participation. 

Businessman Mohammad Belal, general secretary of the Chittagong Garments Accessories Group, filed a writ petition challenging their inclusion. 

Following a High Court hearing on 22 October, the election was directed to proceed without the two categories, and the ministry's letter was stayed.

The commerce ministry appealed, and on 30 October, the Appellate Division stayed the election for two weeks, directing the High Court to resolve the dispute. 

On 11 December, the High Court ruled that six town association and trade group representatives could participate. Belal filed a counter-appeal on 14 December, citing flawed documents for the included organisations and arguing that his group was unfairly excluded. 

"We hope the appeal will be heard this week," he said, leaving the election in legal limbo.