The Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) is facing significant internal turmoil, with a group of general members formally requesting the Ministry of Commerce to intervene. Their plea centers on the dissolution of the current Board of Directors and the appointment of a neutral administrator to oversee upcoming elections, citing a two-decade-long absence of democratic processes and pervasive organizational irregularities.
Deep-Rooted Concerns Over Democratic Deficit
In a formal application submitted to the Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, concerned members have highlighted a stark reality: no democratic elections have been held within the BPGMEA since 2004. This prolonged period without proper electoral oversight has fostered an environment where allegations suggest a specific group, allegedly leveraging the influence of the previous government, has maintained a stranglehold on this crucial trade body for the past two decades. Consequently, the association continues to operate with unelected members at its helm.
Allegations of a “Name-Only” Election
General members have expressed profound dissatisfaction with the current trajectory, particularly concerning a “name-only” election that is reportedly being fast-tracked for the 2026-2028 term. There are serious allegations that the incumbent president, Shamim Ahmed, is attempting to perpetuate his power by orchestrating an election process while remaining in office, alongside his close associates. This approach, critics argue, undermines the principles of fair representation and democratic governance within the association.
Unilateral Decisions and Financial Mismanagement
Senior members, including KM Zahir Faruk and KM Alamgir Iqbal, have been instrumental in filing the application to the ministry, bringing forth a litany of serious accusations. They contend that individuals allegedly favored by the former administration’s commerce and industry advisor, Salman F. Rahman, have been making significant and unilateral decisions. These decisions, it is claimed, have bypassed essential procedural steps such as Board meetings, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), and the involvement of proper purchase committees.
A particularly alarming accusation involves land purchases that are alleged to have been made for personal gain, without adherence to established protocols. This raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in the association’s operations.
Unaccounted Funds and Questionable Financial Practices
The application also brings to light grave concerns regarding financial irregularities and unaccounted funds. Approximately 15 years ago, substantial sums of money – Tk5 crore and Tk1.75 crore – were allegedly placed in Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) with a leasing company described as weak and nearing bankruptcy. This action, members claim, was undertaken for personal interest and without the requisite board approval. Crucially, these funds remain untraceable to this day, fueling suspicions of significant financial impropriety.
Manipulation of Voter Lists Through Illegal Membership Renewals
Further exacerbating the situation are accusations of illegal membership renewals. The board is alleged to have manipulated the voter list by waiving or offering substantial discounts on unpaid dues spanning five to ten years for individuals who were otherwise unqualified. This practice, critics argue, serves to artificially inflate the voting base and ensure the perpetuation of the current leadership, rather than reflecting the genuine interests of the plastic industry’s stakeholders.
Call for Neutral Administration and Fair Elections
In light of these multifaceted issues, the concerned general members have put forth a clear demand: the appointment of an experienced and impartial administrator. Their objective is to ensure a transparent electoral process and foster the genuine development of the plastic industry. They are calling for the immediate cancellation of the “one-sided” election schedule, which is reportedly slated for May 17, 2026. Furthermore, they are urging swift government intervention to announce a new, inclusive, and equitable schedule that will pave the way for a truly fair and democratic election. The future stability and ethical governance of the BPGMEA appear to hang in the balance, awaiting the Ministry of Commerce’s decisive action.
