BGMEA election board chairman resigns

Syed Ferhat Anwar, chairman of the election board of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), resigned yesterday citing personal reasons. 

The Daily Star obtained a digital copy of his resignation letter addressed to BGMEA President Rubana Huq.

Anwar was appointed by the BGMEA. The biennial election to the BGMEA for 2021-23 is scheduled to be held on April 4.

"So far, I did my best to conduct the election with fairness and transparency," Anwar said in the letter.

"This is to inform you that, due to my personal reasons I won't be able to continue as chairman, election board," it read.

However, Anwar declined to comment on the issue when The Daily Star contacted him over the phone.

"I have just received the resignation letter of chairman of election board and yet to find out the details. This is extremely unfortunate as he is known to be a person of the highest moral standard," Huq told in a WhatsApp message.

It is natural to perceive that heading an election board is a challenging task under pressure. He had cited personal reasons for stepping down, she said.

"However since the election is only three weeks away, I hope he will reconsider. Otherwise, the biggest trade body of exporters will be in a very difficult situation and we will have to find a solution very quickly- hopefully in the next 24 hours," Huq said.

"So, for the sake of the sector and the country we again hope that he will reconsider his decision. We will communicate further details to you as soon as we have it," said the BGMEA president.