Voting in the biennial election of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) commenced this morning (Saturday) in both Dhaka and Chattogram.

The polls opened at 8:00am and will continue until 5:00pm at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka and the Radisson Blu Hotel in Chattogram.

A total of 1,835 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots to elect the BGMEA board of directors for the 2025–2027 term.

Although voter turnout was initially slow in the morning, it is anticipated to increase as the day progresses.

This year, the voting window has been extended by two hours compared to previous elections.

Strict security measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth and orderly election process.

Voters are arriving throughout the day to participate in selecting the leadership of the country’s apex body for the apparel industry.

Seventy-six candidates are contesting for 35 board positions across three panels: Sammilito Parishad, Forum, and Oikko Parishad.

Sammilito Parishad and Forum have each fielded a full slate of 35 candidates, while Oikko Parishad is contesting with six.

Md Abul Kalam, Managing Director and CEO of Chaity Group, is leading the Sammilito Parishad panel.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, Managing Director of Rising Group, heads the Forum panel, while Mohammad Mohsin, Chairman of Romo Group, is leading Oikko Parishad.