Such people -- defaulters, tax dodgers and convicts -- will also lose eligibility to be nominated as directors or executive members of the trade bodies.

The FBCCI at an extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM) yesterday approved a commerce ministry directive that sought measures to prevent the offenders from holding the top posts in the country's apex trade body.

"The members at the EGM unanimously approved the government order," FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain told reporters after the meeting at the federation building.

The members also gave consent to changes to the FBCCI constitution relating to participation in its biennial election scheduled for August 16.

On June 4, the commerce ministry in a handout said loan defaulters, tax evaders and persons convicted of crimes, corruption and moral turpitude will not be eligible to contest election of the FBCCI within five years of their conviction.

The commerce ministry also asked the federation to change rules relating to participation in its election as per the Trade Organisation Ordinance, 1961.

On June 11, the commerce ministry in another letter said apart from FBCCI election, the loan defaulters, tax evaders and convicts would not be able to contest the elections to any other trade bodies in the country.

On June 24, the ministry in another letter said the FBCCI will have to hold its biennial election after making amendments to its constitution and implementing the government decision.

If the FBCCI fails to amend its rules as required, the government can change the rules through a gazette notification, the June 4 letter said.

Mir Nasir also said the EGM decided to request the government to withdraw the provision of nominating 14 directors from seven leading associations and chambers.

"The members urged the government to introduce the previous system of direct election to choose directors, president and vice-presidents," he said.

As per the FBCCI constitution, of the 38 executive committee members of the apex trade body, 12 will be elected from district level chambers and 12 from trade associations, seven will be nominated from the MCCI and six divisional chambers, and seven from leading trade associations. FBCCI president will be elected from the association group this year.

Earlier, various quarters concerned urged the authorities not to allow loan defaulters to contest the FBCCI election, saying their presence in the executive body will not only discourage honest businesspersons but also encourage others to default on loans.