The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have announced their plans to hold elections for their boards of directors and office bearers for the 2025-2027 term. This move marks a significant step towards restoring democratic processes in both associations.
After a lengthy hiatus, BKMEA has officially unveiled the election schedule, with the last participatory election occurring in 2012. The upcoming BKMEA election is set to take place on 10th May 2025, at two locations: the BKMEA head office in Chashara, Narayanganj, and its Dhaka office. Voting is scheduled from 9 AM to 5 PM without interruption.
AKM Salim Osman, who served as president of BKMEA for seven consecutive terms until 2024, resigned on 25th August 2024, after the July uprising. Mohammad Hatem, managing director of MB Knit Fashion Ltd, was elected by the board to continue as president for the remainder of the 2024-2025 term.
The election schedule indicates that the primary voter list will be published on 13th March, with the final list released by 25th March. Nomination lists will be made public on 16th April, and candidates will have until 19th April to withdraw their nominations. Voter ID cards can be collected from 20th April to 8th May, with the election results expected to be announced on 10th May, followed by the election of office bearers on 15th May.
Shafiullah Chowdhury, chairman of the BKMEA Election Board, emphasised that the election will adhere to the Trade Organisation Rules of 1994 and BKMEA’s governing documents. BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem expressed hope that these early elections would promote democratic practices within the association, stating, “Our members have long been deprived of their democratic rights.”
Meanwhile, BGMEA is also gearing up for its elections, with an announcement expected next week regarding its election schedule for the 2025-2027 term. Following the appointment of Md Anwar Hossain, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau, as the administrator of BGMEA on 20th October, preparations are underway to ensure a fair electoral process within 120 days.
BGMEA has formed both an Election Board and an Election Appellate Board, although details of these boards have yet to be disclosed. Mohammad Iqbal, a former additional secretary, will lead the Election Board, which also includes Ashraf Ahmed and Rupali Chowdhury as members. The Election Appellate Board will be chaired by Nasim Monzur, accompanied by Barrister Syed Afzal Hasan Uddin and former additional secretary Kudrat-e-Khuda.
