In a resounding victory, Sammilito Parishad led by S.M Mannan Kochi triumphed in the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) biennial election, securing all 35 directorial posts. The election, held at BGMEA’s Dhaka offices, marked a significant moment for the garment industry, with S.M Mannan Kochi set to assume the role of the new president.
Sammilito Parishad clinched victory in both regions, winning 26 directorial seats in Dhaka and nine in Chattogram. The results were announced after a smooth and peaceful voting process, conducted from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm yesterday. In Dhaka, 1,839 out of 2,032 votes were cast, while in Chattogram, 387 out of 464 votes were recorded, reflecting a robust turnout.
SM Mannan Kochi, the current senior vice-president of BGMEA and chairman of Seha Designs, will now lead the association as its president. Kochi is also the general secretary of the Awami League’s Dhaka North City unit.
The elected directors from the Dhaka region include prominent figures such as Shahidullah Azim, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Asif Ibrahim, Md Imranur Rahman, Arshad Jamal Dipu, Miran Ali, Shovon Islam, Haroon Ar Rashid, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Anowar Hossain Manik, Shams Mahmud, Khondokar Rafiqul Islam, Ashikur Rahman Tuhin, Nasir Uddin, Mesbah Uddin Khan, Rajiv Chowdhury, Md Shahadat Hossain, Abrar Hossain Sayem, Mohiuddin Rubel, Nusrat Bari Asha, Md Jakir Hossain, Shehrin Salam Oishee, Md Nurul Islam, Saifuddin Siddique Sagor, Rezaul Alam Miru.
Directors elected from the Chattogram region include Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Syed Nazrul Islam, Mohammad Musa, Amzad Hossain Chowdhury, M Ahsanul Hoque, Mostafa Sarwar Riyadh, Rakib Al Naser, Gazi Md Shahid Ullah, and Md Absar Hossain.
The BGMEA election featured two competing panels, Sammilito Parishad and Forum, with Faisal Samad leading the Forum panel. The electoral process began with general voters selecting 35 directors, who then nominated the president and vice presidents.
The outgoing board, in office since April 2021, saw its term extended twice due to challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, the dollar crisis, and energy shortages. The recent six-month extension was granted to accommodate garment manufacturers and exporters, who also hold positions as lawmakers, reluctant to participate in the election before the national polls on January 7.
Sammilito Parishad’s comprehensive victory signals a new era for BGMEA, with industry stakeholders looking to the newly elected president and directors for leadership in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead in the garment sector.
