The biennial election of the country's Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) will be held on April 4. Sixty candidates from the joint council and the forum have been shortlisted to run for 35 director posts. Newcomers have been given priority in the list of candidates in this election.

According to BGMEA sources, 70 candidates from the joint council and the forum will be selected for 35 director posts. Among the elected directors, there will be one president and seven vice-presidents. Initially, 99 candidates from Sammilita Parishad and Forum submitted 103 nomination papers.

On March 4, 33 nomination papers were withdrawn. The Election Board then publishes the final list of candidates. Voting is scheduled for April 4 at the Radisson Hotel in the capital and at the organisation's regional office in Chittagong from 10am to 5pm.

Under the leadership of Farooq Hasan, the Coalition Council and the Independence Council are holding elections in this election. On the other hand, the joint forum is being led by the current president Rubana Haque and her son Navidul Haque.

Sunbd/NJ