Voting is taking place in a festive atmosphere for the biennial election of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce, the country’s second-largest business organization. The election, being held at the World Trade Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., features 53 candidates contesting 24 posts. Businesspeople in Chittagong have turned the event into a celebration after a 13-year gap. However, one panel announced a boycott on the eve of the election, alleging irregularities.

According to chamber sources, 12 directors will be elected from the general category, six from the associate category, and six from the town association and trade group categories, forming a 24-member board. The elected directors will later choose a president and two vice presidents. Two main panels—United Business Forum and Sammilito Byabosayee Parishad—are competing, along with 13 independent candidates. The Sammilito Byabosayee Parishad withdrew, calling the process a farce due to alleged lack of transparency.

The last direct election was held in 2013. Since then, committees were appointed by local MP M.A. Latif until his panel resigned following the fall of the Awami League government. Around 6,780 voters are participating under tight security.