The announcement of the board came after a case was filed with a court alleging an enrolment of huge number of 'fake voters'.

"So far we have not received any directives from the court to postpone the election," M Annisuzzaman, chairman of the election board, told journalists yesterday evening.

"As the election board is yet to receive any order, it is our duty to hold the election," he added.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Jahangir Alam of Shah Sufi Apparels and Textiles filed a case on February 22 with the 4th assistant judge court, Dhaka alleging that a huge number of 'fake voters' have been enrolled for BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) polls.

Following the case, the court issued a stay on holding the election until the case is disposed of, said a press statement signed by Sheikh Jahangir Alam.

However, the election board and the candidates have finished their preparations. Two panels, Sammilito Parishad led by Tipu Munshi and Forum headed by Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, will contest the executive committee elections.

Candidates and members of the BGMEA predict a stiff competition between the two groups.

They said after the polls, elected directors would form the executive body of BGMEA. Forty-two candidates, including two independents, will vie for 20 posts in Dhaka and 14 candidates for seven posts in Chittagong.

A total of 2,411 voters, 1896 of whom are in Dhaka and 515 in Chittagong, will cast votes, officials said.