Omar Hazzaz has stepped down from his role as president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), along with all 23 directors of the executive committee.

Hazzaz notified Dr. Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury, Director General of the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Organisation Wing, in a letter on Tuesday.

The resignations follow mounting pressure from business groups like the ‘All Business Community of Chattogram’ and the ‘Deprived Business Community,’ who have been calling for the CCCI’s leadership to resign and for fresh elections since the Awami League government was overthrown on August 5.

Hazzaz stated that the decision was made to protect the CCCI’s century-old reputation amid the evolving political landscape.

Hazzaz also requested the appointment of an administrator to ensure the chamber continues to operate effectively and to facilitate free and fair elections. The resignations began on August 28, with two directors stepping down, followed by ten more on Sunday, according to CCCI Secretary Md Faruk.

Critics have previously accused the 24-member executive committee of being formed through nepotism, as the election held on August 6 last year saw all candidates win unopposed, marking the fifth consecutive time CCCI leaders were elected without opposition.

Hazzaz, son of former Awami League lawmaker MA Latif, was chosen as president by the directors shortly after the uncontested election.