Desk Report:
There is uncertainty surrounding the nominations for the 12 director posts in the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) club category elections. Club cricket organizer Israfil Khasru has alleged that a government-backed group is exerting covert influence in all categories 1, 2 and 3. In light of the allegations, he has withdrawn the nomination papers he had submitted to Exum Cricketers. The latest news from sources is that 15 nomination papers have been withdrawn in categories 1, 2 and 3. This list is likely to grow.
The club organizer of Exum Cricketers withdrew his nomination papers for the director post and told the media, ‘There is no transparency in every process of the election from the first day. A special group of the government has tried to influence the election in various ways. From districts, divisions to clubs, the situation is the same everywhere. Once 15 clubs were cancelled, then they were declared valid the next moment. Later, they went to court again to cancel it. Now it is clear; Not the entire government, but a section within the government has influenced the election in this way.’
Israfil Khasru said about his position in the election, their position was moral. But as the situation worsened, we changed our decision. He said, ‘We have withdrawn the nomination because there is no environment for this election. An election like this cannot be held in a place like BCB. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has 180 million people, we do not want to see ‘manufactured elections’ here. We will officially announce our position through a press conference soon.’
Israfil Khasru alleged that DCs were influenced during the selection of councilors at the district and divisional levels, ‘We heard that DCs were pressured by calling them. The way the legality of 15 clubs was suddenly changed is actually a kind of arbitrariness. A transparent election is not possible like this.’
A few other candidates have withdrawn their nominations. Among them is former BCB joint secretary Rafiqul Islam Babu. However, he held a slightly different opinion and said, ‘There is a way out from here. If desired, the election can be postponed, or an ad hoc committee can be formed. Otherwise, the term of the existing committee can be extended by another six months. We have also discussed this with the sports advisor, and how to conduct the election smoothly is the main topic of discussion.’
Overall, the uncertainty and unrest surrounding the BCB election is intensifying. On the one hand, the withdrawal of nominations by candidates, on the other hand, the court verdict and allegations of political influence – all of this is gradually becoming questionable.
