Govt cancels registration of cigarette manufacturers’ association

The commerce ministry has cancelled the registration of Bangladesh Cigarette Manufacturers Association (BCMA), an organisation of cigarette manufacturing companies.

In a circular on 28 August, the ministry cited 12 reasons for making the association void.
The notification said the association has failed to comply with the registration regulations. It last submitted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) minutes and Audit Report before the ministry 20 years ago (2001-02), when the association was formed.

In another development BCMA last filed its election papers during 2003-05 period. Since then it has not submitted any updated documents to the ministry.
On April 26 this year, the commerce ministry issued a show-cause notice as to why the association should not be declared a dormant trade organisation. The organisation did not respond to the notice either.
Apart from this, the organisation has no office at the address provided by them and letters sent by the ministry bounced back.

Later in June, it was declared a dormant trade organisation.
On 18 August, the Directorate of Registrar of the Joint Venture Companies and Firms (RJSC) summoned them to attend a hearing but none showed up. The ministry of commerce found that the body was in a dysfunctional state. And, therefore, its registration has been cancelled, the ministry stated.
The notification of deregistration was sent to RJSC, Office of the Chief Controller of Import and Export, FBCCI, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the head office of the organisation.
Following this action, no one of the organisation will be able to participate in the FBCCI elections and will not be able to vote.

Each year prior to the annou8ncement of the national budget, the association consults with the National Board of Revenue. That opportunity will also turn puny.