FBCCI Arbitration Board Suspends ATAB Election Over Alleged Irregularities
Dhaka: The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Arbitration Board has suspended the upcoming election of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), citing serious allegations of irregularities and procedural violations in the election process.
The decision came after the arbitration board conducted an investigation and hearing into complaints regarding the election. According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the board found prima facie evidence of multiple irregularities that, in its view, could undermine the credibility and fairness of the election.
Among the allegations raised was that the Election Board and the Appeal Board were constituted after the legal tenure of the ATAB administrator had expired, making their formation and subsequent decisions legally questionable.
The complaints also alleged significant discrepancies in the voter list, including the inclusion of alleged fake voters, deceased individuals, and several travel agencies that reportedly did not possess valid government licences.
Questions were also raised over the functioning of the Appeal Board. According to the allegations, appeal hearings were conducted with only two members present despite the requirement for three members under the relevant rules. It was further alleged that the final copies of the decisions later contained the signatures of all three members.
In addition, the complaints claimed that some officials associated with the Ministry of Commerce Appeal Board signed documents using backdated dates, an allegation that, if proven, would constitute a serious procedural violation.
Sources said the arbitration board also examined allegations that the election process was influenced by irregular administrative decisions and procedural lapses that could have provided an unfair advantage to a particular panel. However, no official findings regarding individual responsibility have yet been made public.
Following the hearing, the FBCCI Arbitration Board concluded that holding a free, fair and credible election under the existing circumstances would not be possible and therefore ordered the suspension of the ATAB election.
The board’s detailed order has not yet been officially released.
The suspension has been welcomed by many ATAB members who had earlier expressed concerns over the integrity of the election process. Several members have also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities and urged the authorities to take appropriate action against those found responsible, in accordance with the law.
Neither the ATAB administration nor the Ministry of Commerce immediately issued an official statement on the allegations or the arbitration board’s decision.