The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Former BGMEA chief Annisul Huq has been elected president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) unopposed for the 2007-2008 term.

His rival MA Rouf Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association, proposed Annisul's name to the electoral board as president of the apex trade body.

Elections for the federation's two posts of vice-president were also uncontested. The elected vice-presidents are Abul Kashem Ahmed (Chamber group) and Abu Alam Chowdhury (Association group).

Chairman of FBCCI electoral board Ali Ashraf declared the names of the winners.

Earlier on Tuesday, Annisul Huq-led panel triumphed over rival MA Rouf Chowdhury's group in the election of FBCCI directors.

Annisul Huq's panel won 19 director posts out of 24 while Rouf's won five posts.

In the chamber group, the Annisul panel grabbed 11 posts out of 12 FBCCI director posts and won eight out of 12 in the association group.

The biennial election to the apex trade body, FBCCI, was held on Monday amid great enthusiasm in the business community with around 93 per cent turnout of voters.

Annisul Huq told newsmen yesterday that the FBCCI election would work as a great example of democratic practice ahead of the long-awaited parliamentary polls.

"My friend Rouf has proposed my name as president. Our politicians and policymakers should learn from our election. The politicians can learn how a competitor can be a good friend," he said.

Both Annisul Huq and Rouf Chowdhury promised to work hand in hand for overall advances of the country's economy.