DHAKA: The biennial election to the Board of Directors of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) for 2015-17 term has begun Saturday morning.

Voting started at 9:00am and will continue till 5:00pm.

Three panels are contesting the polls elections under the banner of Swadhinata Byabshayee Parishad led by Monowara Hakim Ali, incumbent first vice-president of the FBCCI, Unnayan Parishad led by Nitol Niloy Group chairman Abdul Matlub Ahmad, and Byabshayee Oikya Parishad led by Syed Moazzam Hossain, president of Bangladesh Indenting Agents Association.

A total of 52 directors will form the Board of the country’s highest trade body. Of which, 32 directors will be elected at direct elections - some 16 each from chamber groups and association bodies - while 20 others directors will be nominated from different chambers and associations of the country.

According to the primary voter list published in March 30, a total of 2,193 voters will cast their ballots. Of them, 430 voters are from 78 chambers while 1,763 voters are from 355 different associations.

Like every year, lawmaker Professor Ali Ashraf became the election commissioner to hold this year polls.

However, the elected and nominated directors will elect the president, first vice-president and vice-president among themselves from this term on May 25.  The result will be announced May 28.

BDST: 0920 HRS, MAY 23, 2015
HB