The FBCCI Election Board took the decision at an emergency meeting yesterday that was presided over by Professor Ali Ashraf, chairman of the board and attended by SM Kamaluddin, member of the board, say a press statement.

The decision was taken in compliance with a commerce ministry order, which asked the FBCCI to postpone its election until further notice, the FBCCI press statement said.

According to sources, the election has been suspended as it will not be possible to hold polls within the scheduled time after amending the FBCCI constitution relating to participation in the election, as per the commerce ministry directive.

On June 4, the commerce ministry in a handout said that 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.

On June 24, the ministry in another letter said that the FBCCI will have to hold its biennial election till making amendments to its constitution and implementing the government decision.

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.

The tenure of the present executive committee of FBCCI will end on September 5 this year. If the federation does not get a new executive body before that, the commerce ministry may appoint an administrator in the apex body, sources said.

As per the FBCCI constitution, of the 38 executive committee members, 12 is elected from district level chambers and 12 from trade associations, while seven is nominated from the MCCI and six divisional chambers and seven others from leading trade associations.