Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 18, 2026 (BSS) - The election for the Board of Directors of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) for the 2026-2028 term is underway today.

Voting began at 8am and will continue until 4pm, with a total of 2,898 voters.

There is widespread enthusiasm in the city's business community surrounding the election.

The election was originally scheduled for January 15 last year but was postponed due to the national election.

Two panels - 'Sammilito Babshayee Kalyan Parishad' and 'Sammilito Babshayee Oikya Parishad' - are contesting in the polls.

Three candidates are vying for the post of president: former chamber president Hasen Ali, Rajshahi Heart Foundation General Secretary Khandaker Mizanur Rahman Khokon, and business leader Abdul Awal Khan Chowdhury Joti.

The deadline for submission of nomination papers was December 28 last year, while election symbols were allocated on January 10.

Established in 1951, the RCCI is one of the country's oldest and most important commercial organisations, representing entrepreneurs from trade, industry, agriculture and service sectors.

However, many business leaders say the chamber's activities have stagnated over the past decade due to a leadership crisis.

Since 2012, six consecutive committees were elected unopposed, leading to concerns over a lack of effective leadership.

The candidates expressed hope that the competitive election would revive the chamber and provide an opportunity for members to voice their views.

Business leaders also expect that the new leadership will bring fresh momentum to trade and commerce in Rajshahi.