The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has postponed the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) elections for two weeks, halting the voting process that was scheduled for 1 November (Saturday).
A full bench of seven judges headed by the Chief Justice passed the order on Thursday (October 30), following an appeal filed by the Ministry of Commerce.
This decision has temporarily paused the long-awaited election process, which sparked significant interest among the local business community after more than a decade.
Earlier, on September 22, the High Court – after hearing a writ petition filed by businessman Mohammad Belal – declared two categories of the chamber’s director panel, the Town Association and Trade Group, invalid, and allowed the election to proceed without them. The Ministry of Commerce later challenged that order in the Appellate Division.
After reviewing the appeal, the apex court instructed the High Court to resolve the pending writ petition within two weeks and ordered that the election remain suspended during this period.
Speaking to the media, Advocate Nihad Kabir, counsel for writ petitioner Mohammad Belal, said, “The election cannot be held until the writ is disposed of by the High Court. The matter will come up again for hearing after two weeks.”
A decade-long gap and renewed contest halted
The last competitive election of the Chittagong Chamber took place in 2013. In the following years, its leadership was elected unopposed for multiple terms, leaving the business community highly engaged and eager about this year’s polling. However, the judicial proceedings have now put the process on hold once again.
What led to the election complications?
CCCI’s executive committee consists of 24 directors — 12 from the General Class, 6 from the Associate Class, 3 each from the Town Association and Trade Group. From these elected directors, the president and two vice-presidents are selected.
The dispute arose over the eligibility and effectiveness of the Town Association and Trade Group categories. Writ petitioner Belal challenged the legitimacy of these groups, first approaching the FBCCI’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Tribunal and later filing a writ in the High Court, demanding cancellation of their voting rights on grounds of inactivity.
Groups alleged to be inactive
Patiya Association of Trade and Industry, Boalkhali Association of Trade and Industry, Hathazari Association of Trade and Industry, Rangunia Association of Trade and Industry Trade Groups, Chattogram Small Footwear Industry Owners Group, Chattogram Tire Tube Importers & Dealers Group, Chattogram Dyes & Chemicals Importers & Dealers Group, Chattogram Milk Food Importers Group.
