Re-election demanded, suspension of cargo handling threatened

The authorities have appointed an administrator for holding a fresh election as one faction is demanding fresh election and the other is demanding withdrawal of the administrator, saying the election was fair and held constitutionally.

The Arbitration Tribunal of FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries) which handles disputes of trade bodies, had ordered postponement of the polls following filing of a case by an "aggrieved candidate".

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The faction led by "re-elected" BMSA Chairman Monjurul Alam, which took part in the polls, are demanding withdrawal of the administrator appointed by the Director of Trade Organisations (DTO) under the Ministry of Commerce.

The rival faction which boycotted the polls raising allegations of irregularities, is backed by the former BMSA vice- chairman Gaffar Dobash, the sources said.

They boycotted the polls protesting cancellation of nomination of a candidate, MA Akbar, and raising alleged irregularities.

The election was held to elect the executive committee of BMSA, is an organisation of 58 stevedores.

The Alam-led faction is lobbying with the government for withdrawal of the administrator.

Talking to The Daily Star, Alam said, "We demand immediate withdrawal of the administrator to uphold the polls result ".

"Otherwise, stevedores supporting us may go for agitation including suspension of cargo handling at Chittagong port. We are going to hold a meeting in this connection soon", he said.

Asked about cancellation of Akbar's nomination, he said, "The BMSA Election Commission and the Appeal Board cancelled the nomination as they found that his signature was forged". He was abroad when his nomination was submitted, Alam claimed. "We did not violated any rule".

When contacted, Bakar said, "My signature was not forged. It is quite possible now to send back nomination paper after signing it abroad. I was dropped from the race as my rival candidates were sure of my victory."

Gaffar Dobash said, "The election was organised violating the postponement order of the Arbitration Tribunal after the aggrieved candidate MABakar filed a case with it ".

"The election held on December 23 was not fair. Moreover, the polls were held violating a stay order. We demand a fresh election under the administrator appointed by commerce ministry", Dobash said.

Replying to a question, Dobash ruled out the possibility of suspension of cargo handling at the port, threatened by the Alam-led faction.

"We will continue work at the port, he categorically said.