REHAB Election: Businesspersons apply for cancellation of two candidates’ nominations
Staff Reporter :
A section of concerned businesspersons has submitted an application to the Election Board of the organisation, demanding the cancellation of the nominations of two candidates in the election of the REHAB Board of Directors. Recently, this application was submitted on behalf of the business community to the Chairman of the Election Board, Mr. Md. Jahirul Haque Bhuiya.
The application states that in the upcoming biennial REHAB election (2026-2028):
Mr. Miah Salim Raja Pintu (Voter No. 201, Member No. 1143/2011), who has submitted his nomination for the post of Vice President-2; and
Mr. Md. Abdul Kauiam Chowdhury (Voter No. Chattogram-006, Member No. 377/2007), who has submitted his nomination for the post of Vice President from Chattogram, should both have their nomination papers cancelled.
The reason given is that in the election notice issued by the REHAB (Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh) Election Board, Clause 19 under “Important Information Related to the Election” clearly states:
“All election-related activities shall be conducted in accordance with the Trade Organisations Rules-2025, the REHAB Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the notifications and orders issued by the Ministry of Commerce from time to time.”
Under Clause 18 of the Trade Organisations Rules, 2025, relating to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, etc., Sub-clauses provide that:
(4) In the Federation as well as in all trade organisations, no individual shall be eligible to participate in an election after completing two (2) consecutive terms on the Executive Committee or Board of Directors unless he or she refrains from contesting at least one subsequent election.
(5) The provisions of Sub-rule (4) shall apply to all representatives elected or nominated under the Trade Organisations Rules, 1994 and under these Rules.
In violation of the above Rules, Mr. Miah Salim Raja Pintu and Mr. Md. Abdul Kauiam Chowdhury have submitted nomination papers for the above-mentioned posts.
They were elected/nominated to the REHAB Board of Directors for two consecutive terms during 2022-2024 and 2024-2026, which can be clearly proven upon verification.
It is noteworthy that some people believe that since this Rule was promulgated in 2025, it would not apply to those who completed two consecutive terms prior to 2025.
However, there are directives from the Ministry of Commerce stating that this Rule is applicable to them as well.
Therefore, in the interest of a neutral and fair election in accordance with the law, it is humbly requested that these two (2) nomination papers be cancelled immediately.