The biennial election of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held on Saturday after a gap of 13 years, ending long-standing legal disputes and uncertainty surrounding the polls.
Business leaders and chamber members gathered at the World Trade Centre in Agrabad from the morning to cast their votes in what many described as a festive atmosphere.
Voting started at 9am and continued until 4pm without interruption.
A total of 53 candidates contested for 24 director posts in different membership categories.
However, one panel withdrew from the election a day before polling and announced a boycott.
According to chamber officials, the elected directors will later choose the chamber president and two vice presidents from among themselves.
Many voters expressed satisfaction at finally being able to participate in an election after more than a decade and hoped the new leadership would work to solve business-related problems.
Two panels initially joined the race — Sammilito Business Council and United Business Forum — though the Sammilito panel later pulled out.
United Business Forum leader Amirul Haque said traders participated enthusiastically despite the boycott.
Security was tightened around the polling centre during the election.
The chamber has more than 6,700 voters, including general and associate members.
The last chamber election was held in 2013, after which committees were formed without voting.
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