A total of 95 candidates have filed nominations for the upcoming board elections of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), indicating a highly competitive contest for leadership in the country’s most vital export sector. The election, which will determine 35 directors for the 2025–2027 term, is scheduled for 28th May.
Nomination submissions took place on Saturday at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, with candidates representing two prominent panels, Sammilita Parishad and Forum, alongside six independent contenders.
Sammilita Parishad, led by Md Abul Kalam, Managing Director of Chaity Group, submitted 44 nomination papers for 43 candidates. Of these, 33 are running for 26 posts allocated to the Dhaka region, while 10 nominations target the nine positions available in the Chattogram region. The panel was supported by former BGMEA presidents Faruque Hassan and Qazi Moniruzzaman during the nomination event.
On the other side, Forum panel candidates submitted 46 nominations, 34 for Dhaka and 12 for Chittagong, under the leadership of Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu), Managing Director of Rising Fashions. Senior industry figures, including former BGMEA presidents Anisur Rahman Sinha and Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), as well as Forum President MA Salam, were also present to back the slate.
Election Board Chairman Mohammad Iqbal, a former chairman of the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), concluded the nomination process with a call for cooperation from all candidates. He assured the industry of a fair and transparent election process, thanking participants for their active engagement.
According to the election timetable, May 6 is the final date for withdrawal of nominations, with the definitive list of candidates to be released on May 8. Voting will be held simultaneously in both Dhaka and Chittagong.
This election is seen as a critical moment for the country’s garment industry, which continues to be the largest contributor to Bangladesh’s export earnings. Industry watchers and stakeholders are closely observing the outcome, as the new board will shape policy and direction for the sector in the coming years.
