Some 35 candidates are set to be elected as directors of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) unopposed for 2015-16 term following withdrawal of candidatures by two candidates on Saturday. However, the Election Commission is yet to formally declare them as winners as procedures in this regard remained pending. After the formal announcement, the new directors will elect one president and seven vice-presidents as office bearers for next two years on September 16. Former vice-president of BGMEA Siddiqur Rahman is vying for the post of president of the apex apparel body. Former BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy told the FE Sunday that since there are no other candidates against 35 posts of directors following withdrawal of candidatures by two candidates, the 35 candidates have been elected as directors unofficially. The new committee may take charge of the office on September 22, he added. Traditionally two panels of garment owners vie for the BGMEA election under the banner of ‘Sammilita Parishad’ and ‘Forum’. This time, they formed a single panel and decided not to contest each other for ‘the interest of the sector’.
