Appellate Division clears way for BSBRA election, stays HC order reinstating Amzad's candidacy
The election, originally scheduled for 3 June, had been postponed following the High Court order
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court today (9 June) cleared the way for the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) election to proceed after staying a High Court order that had reinstated the candidacy of ship recycler Mohammad Amzad Hossain Chowdhury.
Additional Attorney General Anik R Haque, who represented the state during the hearing, confirmed the development to The Business Standard.
"The Appellate Division has stayed the High Court order validating Amzad Chowdhury's candidacy and directed the High Court to dispose of the writ petition. There is now no legal bar to holding the election," he said.
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The order was passed in connection with Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal (CPLA) No. 1676 of 2026, filed on 7 June over a dispute concerning the BSBRA executive committee election for the 2026-28 term.
The election, originally scheduled for 3 June, had been postponed following the High Court order that restored Amzad's nomination.
The Appellate Division heard the leave petition and a connected stay application on 8 June. After hearing both parties, the court disposed of the petition and ordered that the chamber judge's stay granted on 3 June would remain in force until the disposal of Writ Petition No. 6204 of 2026.
The apex court also directed the High Court to hear and dispose of the writ petition within two weeks.
Despite the pending writ proceedings, there is currently no legal impediment to holding the BSBRA election.
Election dispute
The legal dispute originated from a decision by the BSBRA election appeal board on 3 May to cancel Amzad's nomination for the post of president over allegations of loan default.
Amzad, brother of Aslam Chowdhury, subsequently challenged the decision before the High Court, which ordered the election board to accept his nomination.
Following the High Court directive, the BSBRA Election Board announced the postponement of the 3 June election. In a notice issued on 2 June, the board said the electoral process was being suspended in compliance with the court order.
The notice was signed by Election Board Chairman Aftab Uddin Chowdhury and members Rashed Pradhania and Ashraf Mahmud.
Industry implications
The leadership contest is being closely watched by stakeholders in Bangladesh's ship recycling industry as the sector adapts to stricter international compliance requirements under the Hong Kong Convention.
BSBRA represents shipbreaking and recycling yard owners, mainly based in Sitakunda, and plays a key role in industry advocacy and regulatory engagement.
