The Bangladesh Cricket Board elections are set for October 6, following a period marked by significant controversy.
BCB President Aminul Islam has affirmed that his actions during the election process last month were entirely consistent with the board`s constitution. His statement was in response to a letter he dispatched on September 18 to the country`s sports secretary, in which he requested the annulment of previously submitted councillor nomination forms and mandated the submission of new ones.
The validity of Aminul`s letter was subsequently challenged by a writ petition. On September 22, the High Court of the country issued a ruling, including an interim order that suspended the letter`s enforceability.
On Sunday, Justice Farah Mahbub, a chamber judge of the appellate division, ruled to uphold the High Court`s suspension order. This decision clears the path for the BCB election to proceed on October 6, amidst an ongoing atmosphere of contention, featuring allegations of manipulation and undue influence.
Aminul clarified that he issued the controversial letter because he had not received adequate nominations for cricketers or organizers from the nation`s districts and divisions.
“I want to make one thing clear: a writ was filed against my letter,” Aminul stated. “The communications addressed to me as BCB president explicitly outlined three crucial aspects of the BCB election. These require the signature of the chairman of the district or divisional sports body, typically the district or divisional administrator. As these specific sports bodies are currently non-existent, ad-hoc committees are in place, which must include both a cricketer and an organizer.”
He continued, “Upon reviewing these lists, I found that only three [districts/divisions] met the criteria. Shariatpur and Jamalpur were among the qualified ones. Therefore, we couldn`t conduct an election with just three individuals. I was compelled to send the letter [on September 18], strictly based on the constitution. Subsequently, a writ was filed against that letter. Today, it has been resolved. This election has generated numerous accusations against me. I wish to defend myself by asserting that I always acted within the bounds of the constitution.”
Aminul further dismissed any notions of government influence or interference, stating that the country`s sports adviser was merely striving to “ensure a fair election.”
“I don`t recall precisely when I mentioned that the sports adviser requested my participation [in the elections]. The sports adviser consistently supported me throughout my tenure [as BCB president]. I extend my gratitude for his assistance,” Aminul remarked. “He holds a ministerial-level position, yet I know he dedicated countless hours, traveling to various locations, to ensure we could hold a fair election and establish a robust board.”
He added, “I didn`t perceive any external influence. I believe it`s essential for me to continue serving Bangladesh cricket. If anyone feels I am not competent enough, I am prepared to step down at any moment.”
Aminul refrained from addressing questions regarding Tamim Iqbal`s withdrawal from the election and Faruque Ahmed`s unexpected return to the BCB, following his removal from the presidency in May. Tamim had previously alleged interference in the electoral process, specifically referencing Aminul`s letter.
Faruque`s reappearance came as a surprise, given reports of his fallout with the country`s sports ministry. He then became a BCB councillor, a move also shrouded in controversy as his nomination form was submitted several hours past the deadline. Aminul affirmed that if re-elected president on Monday, he would enforce a zero-tolerance policy against conflicts of interest—an issue that has plagued the BCB for years.
At the commencement of his BCB presidency on May 30, Aminul had likened his term to a “quick T20 innings.” Concluding his tenure [on October 5], he employed another cricketing metaphor to describe his experience:
“[On the field] there`s a technique. You can`t bowl more than one or two bouncers in an over. You can`t bowl a no-ball. Here, there were plenty of no-balls. Beamers were not judged as no-balls.”
