DHAKA: Counting votes began as the election to the country’s apex trade body Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBBCI) ended Saturday amid an air of festivity.

Voting for the biennial elections started at 9am and continued till 5pm in the city`s Motijheel business district without break.

Some 58 candidates of four panels contested 28 posts of the 44-member Board of Directors for the next two years.

Of the 28 director posts, 14 candidates will be elected from the chamber group while 14 others from the association group.

Besides, out of 16 directors, eight from chambers and associations each have already been nominated.

The elected and nominated directors will then elect the president, the first vice-president and the vice-president on June 21.

The four panels in the race are: AK Azad and M Jasim Uddin panel, Abu Alam Chowdhury-led Ganotantrik Parishad, Dewan Sultan Ahmed-led Ganotantrik panel and Delwar Hossain-led Ganotantrik Baboshayee Oikya Parishad.

The total number of voters is 1,698. Among them, 351 belong to the chamber group and 1,340 from association group.

BDST: 07: 50 Hrs, June 19, 2010.
SR/MS/SMS/MUA