Probe body submits BCB election report, suggests constitutional changes

An investigation committee on Sunday submitted its report to the National Sports Council (NSC) over alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) last election, held in October, where the panel advised constitutional amendments to ensure free and fair elections in the future.

Ministry of Youth and Sports Additional Secretary Selim Fakir and National Sports Council (NSC) Director of Sports Aminul Ehsan received the more than 1,000-page report at the NSC headquarters.

The committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge AKM Asaduzzaman, also included Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Selim Fakir, Joint Commissioner (DB Admin & South) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Mohammad Nasirul Islam, sports journalist ATM Sayeed Uzzaman, and Supreme Court advocate Barrister Saleh Akram Samrat.

“As you know, we are here today because we had undertaken an inquiry. Having completed the investigation, we came today to submit the report—and we have done so. We tried to remain neutral and questioned those whose involvement we found. We made our best effort to gather information through questioning and present it properly,” AKM Asaduzzaman told reporters.

“In brief, without accusing anyone, we have submitted a neutral report on what we found regarding the election. Once you see the report, you will understand what it contains. We have not accused anyone. We have objectively discussed the election declarations and commented on the election data. The report has been submitted today,” he added.

When asked about the recommendations included in the report, AKM Asaduzzaman said, “Possibly—yes, we tried to provide some recommendations. For example, guidelines on how to ensure a smooth election or whether any improvements are needed regarding the board.”

He also confirmed that the committee recommended constitutional changes. “We have made some recommendations—you can see them in the report. If the board considers them appropriate, they may act on them,” he added.

AKM Asaduzzaman further said that former sports adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain did not appear before the committee, while the election commission that conducted last year’s BCB election submitted a written response. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul also provided a written reply to the committee.