Kushtia Correspondent: The much-anticipated election of the Kushtia Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held on Saturday, September 27, in a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Voting took place continuously from 9 AM to 4 PM.
The Chamber building and surrounding areas were decorated with banners and festoons, creating a festive environment. Supporters of the candidates were present in large numbers, adding to the celebratory mood. To ensure a fair and peaceful election, law enforcement agencies and executive magistrates maintained strict security measures.
In this election, new candidates emerged strongly, defeating several long-standing leaders of the Chamber. In Group “A”, 21 candidates contested for 12 director positions, with 1,899 registered business voters eligible to vote. Voters cast their ballots in secret booths to elect their preferred candidates for the director positions for the next two years.
After the voting ended at 4 PM, the counting process began, where three representatives from each candidate’s side were allowed to be present. The counting was broadcast publicly using a projector, ensuring transparency.
According to Chamber sources, in Group “B”, 6 candidates were elected unopposed to director positions. However, in Group “A”, 12 panel-based candidates competed alongside 9 independent candidates. Contesting candidates had pledged to address various demands of the business community and promote development.
Local businesspeople praised the election as free, fair, and credible, expressing hope that the newly elected and capable leadership would play a vital role in the economic development of Kushtia.
Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Advocate Mir Sanowar Hossain reported that out of 1,899 registered voters, 1,564 votes were cast. The vote count for Group “A” director positions is as follows (with top 12 vote-getters declared winners):
- Ballot No. 14 – Fuad Reza Fahim: 1,264 votes
- Ballot No. 21 – Akhtaruzzaman Kajol Majumder: 1,230 votes
- Ballot No. 19 – Haji Mezbah Rahman: 1,039 votes
- Ballot No. 02 – Moktaruzzaman Chowdhury Murad: 966 votes
- Ballot No. 08 – Jihaduzzaman Jiku: 958 votes
- Ballot No. 06 – Engr. Shahabuddin: 912 votes
- Ballot No. 05 – Haji Robiur Rahman: 901 votes
- Ballot No. 17 – Engr. Saiful Alam Maruf: 892 votes
- Ballot No. 10 – Uttam Saha: 882 votes
- Ballot No. 13 – S. M. Alamgir Alam: 874 votes
- Ballot No. 20 – Imran Hossain: 873 votes
- Ballot No. 15 – Hamidur Rahman: 865 votes
After the announcement of results, winners were greeted with floral congratulations from various groups.
Notably, BNP central leader and Liberation War hero Principal Sohrab Uddin, along with Kushtia BNP Convener Kutub Uddin Ahmed and Member Secretary Engineer Zakir Hossain Sarkar, were able to peacefully vote this year after being unable to do so for many years.
Candidates ran their campaigns by highlighting key demands and pledges for business development. Through this democratic process, voters have elected a new leadership team to guide the Chamber for the next two years.
