ATAB Election Row Absent Board Member Signs Verdict

Allegations of severe irregularities have surfaced in the upcoming Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) elections after an appeal board rejected four heavyweight candidates without a legally mandated full hearing.

The controversy centers on a three-member election appeal board appointed by ATAB Administrator Dr. Md. Saifuddin. Earlier, the election board canceled the candidatures of Abdus Salam Aref (presidential candidate), Afsia Jannat Saleh, Ziaur Rahman Khan Rezwan, and Mohammad Idris Mia. The candidates subsequently appealed the decision.

During the June 30, 2026, appeal hearing, only two board members—Chairman Shibir Bichitra Barua and member Mohammad Sirajul Islam—were present. The third member, Commerce Ministry Deputy Secretary Chowdhury Samia Yasmin, was entirely absent from the arguments. Despite missing the proceedings, Yasmin later signed the final document rejecting the appeals.

The aggrieved candidates have filed a case with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Arbitration Court. During the proceedings, Sirajul Islam formally admitted that Yasmin was absent during the hearing. The FBCCI court expressed strong dissatisfaction over the compromised verdict and has demanded a formal explanation.

When contacted by reporters, Yasmin stated she arrived 30 minutes after the hearing concluded and signed the document, citing a delay caused by an assignment from a superior officer. She declined further comment without the Commerce Secretary's permission.

Legal experts argue a three-member board lacks legal jurisdiction to issue a verdict if any member misses the hearing. The affected candidates are now preparing to escalate the matter to the Ministry of Commerce, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the High Court.