From Our Correspondent, CHATTOGRAM: The upcoming election of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the country’s oldest and most influential trade body, has sparked unprecedented enthusiasm in the business community. After years of dominance by a single group that left the organization practically stagnant, the chamber is now heading toward a competitive election with multiple panels and candidates. On the final day of nomination submissions, at least three full panels along with several independent candidates entered the race, intensifying interest surrounding the polls.
Once dismissed by many as an “inactive and ceremonial body,” the chamber had lost credibility due to its failure to resolve port-related complications, provide policy support, or protect the interests of entrepreneurs. However, the monopoly of the long-dominant bloc was broken in August 2024, and since then the organization has been regaining vitality. The current election fervor is being seen as a reflection of that transformation.
Chattogram City BNP Convener and former Senior Vice-President of CCCI, Alhaj Ershad Ullah, commented on the development: “For years, the chamber was under a dark eclipse, but it has now broken free. The enthusiasm among businesses proves they want change. Our only hope is that it doesn’t fall under such an eclipse again.” He also clarified that BNP will not interfere in the election and called for a transparent and participatory process.
Three Panels in the Race
One of the most talked-about panels is One Team, led by industrialist Md Amirul Haque, Managing Director of Premier Cement Ltd and Chairman of Seacom Group. Returning to chamber politics after many years, he has drawn support from several former presidents, directors, and influential entrepreneurs in the garments sector. The One Team panel has fielded 36 candidates—22 in the Ordinary Group, 8 in the Associate Group, and 6 in the Town and Trade Group.
Speaking to reporters, Amirul Haque said multiple ex-presidents, directors, and leading garment industrialists have thrown their weight behind his panel. Supporters include former CCCI President Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, Engineer Ali Ahmed, former MP Sarwar Jamal Nizam, former Senior Vice-President of CCCI and ex-first Vice-President of BGMEA MA Salam, former BGMEA first Vice-President Nasiruddin Chowdhury, and Syed Mohammad Tanvir, MD of Pacific Jeans Group and Ex Vice-President of CCCI.
Amirul Haque further stated his vision: “Our aim is to build a chamber free from political influence. We want to bring economic reforms for Chittagong, ensure implementation of the Bay Terminal, eliminate customs harassment, and remove the discriminatory weight-scale restrictions on highways. Businesses should no longer be treated with bias.”
Meanwhile, another panel—Chattogram’s Conscious Business Community—is being led by former Senior Vice-President SM Nurul Haque, known for his anti-irregularity stance and as a former first Vice-President of BGMEA. His team includes the son of Ershad Ullah, signaling political undertones in the contest.
A third panel is led by Amzad Hossain Chowdhury, President of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association and younger brother of BNP Joint Secretary General Lion Md Aslam Chowdhury, adding further political linkage to the race.
Growing Election Heat
In total, 71 candidates have filed nominations across four categories. Elections will be held for 24 director positions—12 in the Ordinary category (with 48 nominations) and 6 in the Associate category (with 17 nominations). In the Town and Trade groups, six candidates will be elected unopposed.
Nomination scrutiny will take place on September 23, the list of valid candidates will be published on September 25, and the final list on October 8. The election is scheduled for November 1 at the World Trade Center, Chattogram.
Business Community’s Expectations
For businesses, this election represents more than just a change in leadership. There is widespread hope that the new leadership will address long-standing port bottlenecks, establish effective dialogue with the government, and secure policy support to boost trade and investment. Many believe this election could set the course for the economic future of Chittagong—and, by extension, the entire country.
