FBCCI polls reforms is not a new issue as the business community has been discussing it for the last few years, although nothing has happened, said Akram Hossain, a former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

Institutional reforms are needed to enhance the trade negotiations and other trade-related capacity of the country's apex trade body, added Akram.

He said, "Some vested interests group always misuse the posts and positions in the apex."

The Bhorer Kagoj, a Bangla language daily, organised the roundtable on reforms of FBCCI other trade bodies. Shyamal Dutta, editor of the daily, moderated the roundtable.

Barrister Shafiq Ahmed, a director of FBCCI, criticised the government law that allows 14 nominate directors to participate in the FBCCI election.

He said such provision may create complexity in the election process.

Besides election, FBCCI should enhance its capacity for research and advocacy in forming national trade policies, economist Atiur Rahman said.

FBCCI reforms should not be done hurriedly, said Annisul Huq, a former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. Reforms should come from within the FBCCI, he added.

On July 10, a commerce ministry order asked the FBCCI to postpone its election until further notice.

According to sources, the election was suspended, as it was not be possible to hold polls within the scheduled time after amending the FBCCI constitution.

On June 4, the commerce ministry in a handout said loan defaulters, tax evaders and persons convicted of crimes, corruption and moral turpitude will not be eligible to contest the FBCCI election within five years of their conviction.

The commerce ministry also asked the federation to change rules relating to participation in its election as per the Trade Organisation Ordinance, 1961.

The FBCCI in an extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM) on June 28 approved the commerce ministry's June 4 directive and also agreed to change the FBCCI constitution regarding participation in its election, which was scheduled for August 16.