Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to remove the administrator appointed by the government to the trade body. The organisation has also demanded reinstatement of the elected executive committee.
However, BAFFA has threatened to launch tougher programmes if the demands are not met within the deadline.
BAFFA members made the demands at a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, former BAFFA president Kabir Ahmed alleged, “In June, the commerce ministry arbitrarily dissolved BAFFA’s elected board and appointed an administrator.”
He also alleged that this appointment violated Section 17 of the Trade Organisations Act 2022 and called for amendments to the law.
BAFFA member Mohammad Nuruddin said, “The core function of this organisation is to advocate for policy issues with the government to ensure a business-friendly environment for its members.”
Nuruddin noted that BAFFA board members work voluntarily without any remuneration, while the administrator appointed by the Directorate of Trade Organisations draws a salary from BAFFA funds and acts as a government representative, creating a clear conflict of interest.
He added that although the administrator is obligated to organise elections within 120 days of appointment, 70 days have already passed without even an election schedule being announced.
The administrator’s prolonged leave abroad has also disrupted BAFFA’s operations, Nuruddin mentioned.
BAFFA members Kamal Hossain, Obaidul Haque, Mofizur Rahman, Hasan Ahmed Kamal, among others, were present at the press conference.