The election board of the country's apex trade body yesterday finalised the nominations of 44 candidates, 27 from chamber group and 17 from association group, for 24 posts of directorship to the executive committee of FBCCI.

After scrutiny, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) election board yesterday announced the final nominations.

Among the 28 submitted nominations from the chamber group and 18 nominations from the association group, the election board cancelled one nomination from each group.

The nominations of Bazlur Rahman from Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mohammed Balayet Hossain of Bangladesh Chemical and Perfumery Merchant Association were cancelled.

August 2 is the last day for withdrawing nominations for the FBCCI biennial election, scheduled for August 21.

However, backstage negotiations are on for a consensus. Although 17 candidates from the association group have filed nominations, a panel of 12 candidates led by Mohammad Ali has already been formed, FBCCI sources said.

"We hope the other five candidates will withdraw their nominations," said a businessman who got his name included on the list of 12.

Negotiations are also going on in the chamber group to reach a consensus on forming the single panel led by Mir Nasir Hossain who is eyeing the presidency.

Besides, a section of business community have started lobbying for Aftab Ul Islam, president of the AmCham, as a probable candidate for the president post.

He will get support from the ruling party and the incumbent president, Abdul Awal Mintoo, felt some businessmen, sources said.

Among the 38 executive committee members of FBCCI, 12 will be elected from chambers, 12 from associations, 7 from local chambers and the rest 7 from local associations. As per FBCCI constitutional provision, the president will be elected from the chamber group this time.