Jan 11/2026: Abdul Awal Khan Chowdhury Jyoti, a candidate for the presidency of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), has expressed confidence about winning the upcoming biennial election scheduled for January 15.
Speaking on Saturday, Jyoti said the RCCI should function as a true platform for traders, free from political influence and nepotism. He described the Chamber as an educational and policy-oriented institution for traders that requires dynamic, capable and meritorious leadership.
Regretting that qualified individuals often fail to come forward, he said politicisation, partisan activities and nepotism have long obstructed the development of the Chamber. He stressed that politics and party priority should not be allowed within the organisation.
Emphasising the role of traders, Jyoti said traders must lead the Chamber and pledged to work for and serve them. He is contesting the election with the symbol “Peacock.”
The biennial elections of the RCCI have generated significant interest and enthusiasm among local traders. Candidates are actively campaigning by visiting chambers and using mobile phones, WhatsApp and other digital platforms.
The election is being contested by candidates from two panels, along with an independent presidential candidate, Abdul Awal Khan Chowdhury Jyoti. Besides his business career, Jyoti is also known as a literary figure and currently serves as an adviser to the local organisation Kobi Kunjo.
Jyoti said he has been involved in business since 1966 and is associated with the Hatem Khan Zamindari Estate, where he serves as Motowalli. He is also involved with the Bangladesh Petrol Pumps Owners Association.
Outlining his plans, Jyoti said that if elected president, he would work to ensure direct participation of traders in government policy-making. He pledged to create a trader-friendly environment for traders and entrepreneurs.
By coordinating with financial institutions, he plans to arrange regular workshops and training programmes to support the financial development of traders. He also said traders and entrepreneurs would receive basic training on electrical safety, fire safety and institutional security.
To meet the demands of the digital age, Jyoti said trading centres would be modernised through digital communication systems and traders would be trained accordingly.
He further said the RCCI would encourage the use of modern agricultural equipment and support entrepreneurs in manufacturing agricultural machinery. Coordinated measures would be taken to transport agricultural commodities through road, rail and air, and agricultural hubs may be established in Rajshahi and rural areas if necessary.
Seminars would be organised for the development of the Department of Explosives and Boilers, as well as business organisations under the Roads and Highways Department.
Concluding his remarks, Jyoti sought prayers for the sound health, well-being and overall development of traders and their family members.
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