In the first major trade body election held in Bangladesh since the political changeover in August 2024, the Forum panel, led by Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, has secured a decisive victory in the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) biennial elections.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, managing director of Rising Fashions, received 1,149 votes, defeating his main rival Md Abul Kalam, managing director of Chaiti Group from the Sammilita Parishad panel, who garnered 664 votes. The Forum panel dominated the election, with most of the elected directors belonging to this group.
The elected directors will now be responsible for nominating the president, vice presidents, and other office bearers for the 2025-2027 term.
A total of 1,864 voters participated in the election, with 1,561 casting ballots in Dhaka and 303 in Chattogram. Voting commenced at 8:00 am and continued until 5:00 pm at both locations, with no breaks.
Voting took place in Dhaka and a designated centre in Chattogram. BGMEA Administrator Md Anwar Hossain reported high voter turnout, with 88.21 per cent of Dhaka voters and 83.83 per cent in Chattogram casting their ballots.
This election marked a significant milestone as the first major trade body election following the recent political transition and the dissolution of the previous BGMEA committee.
