B Mirror Report: General members of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) have demanded the dissolution of the current board and the appointment of an administrator. They also called for the cancellation of the existing election schedule and the announcement of a new one.

Members allege that, ahead of the 2026–2028 term election, the current leadership is attempting to hold a manipulated election to ensure that the incumbent president, Shamim Ahmed, and his supporters remain in power.

In this context, BPGMEA member and Managing Director of Improve Accessories, K.M. Zahir Faruk, recently submitted a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce on behalf of general members. The letter strongly urged the suspension of the election schedule announced for May 7, the appointment of an administrator, and the declaration of a fresh schedule.

The letter to the ministry stated that no genuine election has been held in the association since 2004. It also alleged that annual general meetings (AGMs), extraordinary general meetings (EGMs), and board meetings have not been conducted properly for years, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability. It further accused former president Md. Jasim Uddin, reportedly backed by the Awami League government, of supporting these irregularities.

Serious financial misconduct allegations were also raised against the organization, including land purchases without a procurement committee, investments in banks and leasing companies without board approval, and the subsequent disappearance of funds. Members দাবি that এসব decisions were made for personal gain.

The application also noted that, despite constitutional requirements that members must be factory owners, many unqualified individuals have been granted membership. There are also allegations of unethical membership renewals for those with unpaid dues.

Although the current board’s tenure ended last November, it was extended twice for three months each. The second extension was set to expire on May 21, but an election schedule was announced for May 17. Despite this, another three-month extension was later approved by the Ministry of Commerce, extending the board’s tenure until August 20. This repeated extension, even after announcing the election schedule, has sparked strong dissatisfaction among general members, who view it as a tactic to influence the election process.

Responding to the allegations, current president Shamim Ahmed said the tenure extension followed proper rules and claimed there were no irregularities requiring an administrator.

However, former president K.M. Alamgir Iqbal disagreed, stating that a particular group has long controlled the organization. He alleged that non-industry individuals were made members to create fake voters and influence elections, and reiterated the demand for appointing an administrator.

Observers believe that prompt high-level administrative intervention is necessary to restore transparency and dynamism in the organization’s future activities.