The government has extended the term of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CTG Chamber) administrator by 60 days, allowing more time to complete preparations for a long-pending board election.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday, the current administrator’s tenure which was due to end on 8 July has been extended under Section 17 of the Trade Organisation Act, 2022.
The decision follows a formal request from the CTG Chamber on 23 June, citing the need to complete membership renewals, finalise the voter list, and ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The Ministry had first appointed an administrator to the Chamber on 9 September 2024, after all 24 elected board members, including then-president Omar Hazzaz, resigned in the wake of protests and allegations of nepotism.
The original directive required the administrator to oversee a new election and hand over responsibilities within 120 days.
However, with key steps such as voter roll preparation and member verification still incomplete, the Chamber sought an extension to avoid procedural lapses and restore trust in its internal governance.
The administrator, a senior government official, also holds the post of Executive Director at the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation.
The Chamber, one of the country’s most influential trade bodies, has remained under administrative oversight for nearly 10 months raising concerns among the business community about prolonged non-elected leadership.
Local trade groups have repeatedly called for transparency and institutional reforms within the Chamber to prevent future allegations of family dominance and political interference.
The Ministry’s latest move is expected to pave the way for an election by early September, assuming the preparatory work is completed on schedule.