Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Ten days after the election, the newly elected 18 directors of the Bangladesh Hosiery Association took their oath of office.

The oath was administered by Election Board Chairman Anisul Islam Sani to President Badiuzzaman Badu, Vice Presidents Abdus Sabur Khan Sentu and Saeed Ahmed Swapan, along with 15 other directors. Election Board members Zakaria Wahid and Krishna Kumar Saha, Appeals Board Chairman G.M. Haidar Ali, and members Delwar Hossain and Shawkat Ali were also present. The ceremony took place on Wednesday (February 12) at 4 PM at the Hosiery Association office, marking the commencement of the 2025-2027 executive committee.

On Tuesday, Badiuzzaman Badu, Abdus Sabur Khan Sentu (General Vice President), and Saeed Ahmed Swapan (Associate Vice President) were elected unopposed as directors. A source mentioned that Sabur Khan Sentu will serve as Senior Vice President for one year, after which Dulal Mallik will assume the role. Similarly, Nasir Sheikh will take over the Junior Vice President role after one year.

On February 3, 1,113 voters cast their votes for 36 candidates to elect 18 directors. Of these, 15 directors were elected from Badu’s panel, and 3 independent candidates were also elected.

Elected Directors of the Badu Panel:

General Group: Badiuzzaman Badu, Md. Abdul Hai, Mizanur Rahman, Md. Parvez Mallik, Abdus Sabur Khan, Monir Hossain, Haji Md. Shaheen Hossain, Ataur Rahman, Dulal Mallik, Md. Masudur Rahman, Fateh Ali Reza Ripon, and Baidyanath Poddar.

- *Associate Group:* Saiful Islam Hiru, Saeed Ahmed Swapan, Md. Nasir Sheikh, Abdus Sobhan, Billal Hossain, and Nasim Ahmed.

President Badu expressed gratitude to all hosiery owners upon his election and vowed to serve the community with dedication. He requested everyone’s prayers to help him fulfill his responsibilities.

The Bangladesh Hosiery Association Election Commission announced the results at midnight on February 4. The 36 candidates included 18 from the Hosiery Owners’ Unity Panel, 14 from the Independent Hosiery Owners’ Unity Forum, and 4 independent candidates.

From the Associate Group, six candidates were elected: Saiful Islam Hiru Sheikh (New Sheikh Hosiery) with 862 votes, Saeed Ahmed Swapan (Saheli Hosiery & Garments) with 719 votes, Alhaj Md. Nasir Sheikh (Nasir Hosiery) with 702 votes, and Nasim Ahmed (Gazi Hosiery) with 498 votes. Independent candidates Abdus Sobhan Talukder (Ador Hosiery) and Md. Billal Hossain (Seven Star Hosiery) were also elected with 575 and 495 votes, respectively.

From the General Group, twelve candidates were elected. Leading the list were Alhaj Badiuzzaman Badu (Badiuzzaman Textile) with 893 votes, Md. Abdul Hai (New Brishti Textile) with 827 votes, and Mizanur Rahman (Saiman Hosiery) with 805 votes. Other notable winners included Parvez Mallik (New Lipi Hosiery & Garments) with 787 votes, Abdus Sabur Khan (Sakline Textile) with 783 votes, and Haji Md. Shaheen Hossain (Shaheen Traders) with 751 votes. Fateh Mohammad Reza (Fateh Hosiery) was the sole independent winner in this group with 670 votes.

Election Commission President Anisul Islam Sani confirmed that the election was fair and peaceful, with 1,113 of 1,159 voters casting their votes—an impressive 96.03% turnout.

Allegation of cutting trees against principal without permission in N'ganj

Residents of Narayanganj have filed a complaint against the acting principal of Tanzim Homeopathy Medical College and Hospital for cutting down 50 trees without approval from the Department of Forestry. The complaint was submitted to the Narayanganj Forestry Department on Wednesday by local social worker Imran Kawsar.

According to the complaint, Dr. Md. Ashrafor Rahman, the acting principal, cut down fruit and timber trees between January 15 and January 22, claiming association with former MP Shamim Osman. Local residents reported being threatened when they tried to stop him, as he allegedly boasted, "I am part of the Osman family’s political network. Nothing will happen to me."

The trees, aged 25-30 years, were part of the college’s historical legacy. Residents had previously lodged a complaint with the district administration on February 2. Ten days later, they submitted the complaint to the Forestry Department.

When asked about the incident, Dr. Md. Ashrafor Rahman denied the allegations. Jannatul Ferdous, Narayanganj’s Assistant Forest Conservator, confirmed that an investigation would be conducted. The Deputy Commissioner of Narayanganj, Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia, also stated that cutting trees without permission is illegal, and appropriate action will be taken.