As the BGMEA election is almost set to be an uncontested race with submission of limited number of nominations, general members lament they will be deprived of voting rights.
In an alleged consensus, two panels – Sammilito Parishad and Forum – submitted 38 nomination papers against 35 posts of directors, leaving a very little chance for any contest in the election.
Yesterday was the last day of submission of nomination papers.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the industry’s apex trade body, is scheduled to participate in an election of new board leaders on September 8 for the 2015-16 term.
Some ex-presidents and current board members of the body also expressed their concerns that the same experience in the past was not good.
They said if office-bearers won a contested race, they would feel more responsibility and accountability in works. But the uncontested poll could produce quite opposite result.
Sources said among 38 who submitted nomination papers, three might withdraw their candidacies so the remaining others become elected unopposed.
Earlier the two panels were able to bring all candidates under their umbrellas and prevent forming any more platform for the biennial election.
“If there was a contested election, there would be more accountability,” ex-BGMEA President Abdus Salam Murshedy told Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
He said they want to hand over a transparent BGMEA to next generation as the industry has completed three decades of operation.
Under the alleged consensus, Parishad will get five posts including that of president, first vice president, senior vice president, second vice president and one vice president.
Forum will be given three vice president posts.
After end of the 2015-16 term, Forum then will come into the leadership getting the posts of president and vice presidents for the next term.
“Such a bad practice will restrict the BGMEA leadership within the grip of few people only,” lamented a BGMEA member who preferred not be named.
BGMEA director Md Moshiul Azam Shajal also deplored the practice.
“I think the decision is not right. The person elected through contest will be more keen to work than that of the selected one.”
Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury, another ex-president, said Bangladesh has set $50bn export target from the RMG sector and for this the sector needs unity.
“BGMEA needs a better leadership to face domestic and global challenges (of the garment industry) to achieve the target. President cannot do it alone.”
He said the body needs a dynamic leadership to reach export target and serve the expectation of countrymen.
