BKMEA election: 39 candidates submit nomination papers under one panel

A total of 42 candidates have submitted their nomination papers to fight for 35 posts in the upcoming election of Bangladesh Knitwear Importers' and Exporters' Association (BKMEA) on 10 May.

Among the 42 candidates, 39 candidates are fighting for the BKMEA positions under a single panel led by BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, according to sources.

The candidates submitted their nomination papers to the central office of BKMEA at Chasara in Narayanganj this morning (9 April).

Shafiullah Chowdhury, chairman of the Election Commission formed to look after the BKMEA election, accepted the nomination paper from the candidates, sources said.

Keeping the BKMEA election in mind, 39 candidates have submitted their nomination papers under the Hatem panel, while three others are contesting in the election independently.

Asked about the BKMEA election, Shafiullah said, "We are hoping that we will be able to present a beautiful election in these changed circumstances. Voters will be able to give votes at two poll centres in Dhaka and Narayanganj, and those who are not voters will not be able to enter the polling centre premises."

Shahjahan Siddiqui, member of BKMEA's election forum, said, "We are going to use digital technology in the BKMEA election. Whenever a candidate will give his vote at one centre, the other centre will get this information on the screen immediately."

"As a result, poll officials will get the live update about who has given votes in which centre while remaining at their respective poll centres," Shahjahan said.

Replying to a question, Hatem said, "We got a very efficient election board. The chairman and members of this board have worked in various elections of BGMEA and other organisations. We are hoping that this board will present a free and fair election."

Other BKMEA high-ups were present during the submission of the nomination papers.