Voting in the biennial election of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) for the 2021-23 term is going on at hotel Radisson Blu in Dhaka.
Voters started to cast their vote from 9am at 14 polling booths there which will continue until 7pm. The voting time was extended by three hours from the usual time every year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A total of 1853 voters are in Dhaka and 461 in Chittagong. The new board will take over on April 20. Five vice presidents in Dhaka and two in Chittagong will be elected in the election of the trade body.
However, the number of ballots is from 1-35 for Forum candidates and from 36-70 for Sammilita Parishad in the election.
Panel leader of Sammilita Parishad and Managing Director of Giant Group Faruque Hassan expressed his hope to win the election saying: “I am committed to the entrepreneurs that I will dedicate myself to develop the sector for the next two years. I hope the BGMEA members will give me the chance.”
He added that he will accept the results as there is victory and defeat in the election.
“If our panel gets a chance, we will work closely with the government and the European Union to retain duty-free market access in the region up to 2031 after the LDC graduation in 2026 too. It is possible through apparel diplomacy,” Faruque also said.
On the other hand, another panel leader of Forum and Chairman of Hannan Group ABM Shamsuddin said he believes in work and he will try hard to develop the industry in a sustainable way.
“I hope the members of the apex trade body will cast their valuable votes in favour of me. Lockdown is set to begin again in the country due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases and so health safety for labourers is very significant. If our panel is elected, we will prioritize it at first here,” he added.
BGMEA President Dr Rubana Huq said she will finish the unfinished works of the organization if her Forum panel is elected.
