After 14 years without an election during the previous Awami League government, the Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industry is set to hold polls.
The government-appointed Administrator and Khulna’s Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bitan Kumar Mandal is proceeding with the electoral process, chamber sources confirmed.
However, leaders aligned with the banned Awami League are allegedly attempting to halt the election by filing repeated complaints with both the Ministry of Commerce and the administrator, the sources said.
“While there are various obstacles from one group trying to stop the election, the process will be completed on time as per government directives,” Mandal told The Business Standard.
During the previous government, Kazi Aminul Haque, vice-president of Khulna city Awami League, held the Khulna chamber presidency for six consecutive terms over 12 years without elections. Other positions were also filled without voting, reportedly by individuals of his choosing.
Following the fall of the AL government during the 2024 July Uprising, the interim government appointed Mandal as chamber’s administrator on 2 January 2025.
Subsequently, on 31 March, an election board and an election appeal board were formed under ministry directives to prepare the schedule and complete all necessary procedures.
The election process is expected to conclude by June, after which responsibilities will be handed over to a newly elected committee.
However, former power holders are accused of attempting to obstruct the process.
Multiple complaints have reportedly been submitted to the administrator, particularly opposing the inclusion of new voters. These efforts are allegedly being led by Kazi Aminul Haque.
Business leaders claim that over the past 14 years, traders unaffiliated with the Awami League were not allowed to become chamber members.
After the administrator assumed charge, 1,070 new applicants sought membership, each submitting required documents including trade licences, updated tax returns, proof of submission, and bank details. All applicants reportedly operate valid business establishments.
Md Jahangir, proprietor of Faiza International in Khulna, told TBS that Kazi Aminul Haque and his associates have been filing complaints regularly.
He also alleged that they are being assisted by Nur Rukhsana Banu, a contract-based secretary appointed during that period, and assistant secretary Bishwarup Sarkar.
According to Jahangir, they fear losing influence if new leadership is elected.
Repeated attempts to contact Kazi Aminul Haque were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to messages on WhatsApp.
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