The BTMA went for direct polls in 2003 for the first time, when candidates failed to reach a consensus on nomination. A similar situation this year has led to holding of elections to 17 posts, BTMA sources said.

Ten directors comprising one from Associate Group of Category-A (yarn manufacturers), five from General Group of Category-B (fabric manufacturers) and three from General Group and one from Associate Group of Category-C (dying and finishing) have already been elected unopposed.

Voting will start from 10:30am and close at 3pm without any break. The number of voters is 309 -- 144 from General Group of Category-A and 165 from Associate Group of Category-B.

Thirty one candidates -- 27 from General Group of Category-A and four from Associate Group of Category-B -- are vying for the 17 posts of directors, 15 of which are from General Group of Category-A and two from Associate Group of Category-B.

According to the BTMA sources, the candidates are vying for the posts under two panels -- one led by incumbent chairman MA Awal and the other led by Abdul Hai Sarker.

From Abdul Hai's panel 15 candidates are contesting, while from Awal's panel 12 candidates are in the race for the posts of 15 directors from General Group of Category-A.

The 27 directors will select a chairman, three vice-chairmen for the next two-year term.