Bangladesh Cricket Board Elections Still on Track Despite Constitution Overhaul Plans

Asif Mahmud, Bangladesh Youth and Sports Advisor, affirmed on Friday that preparations are underway to amend the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) constitution. However, he emphasized that there are currently no plans to postpone the BCB elections, which are slated for October.

BCB elections are still set for October © BCB

Earlier this year, on January 25, the BCB suspended all activities of the previous constitution reform committee, which was headed by director Nazmul Abedin, following criticism.

On June 24, the National Sports Council (NSC) established a committee to formulate recommendations for updating the constitutions and affiliation policies of federations under its jurisdiction.

According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on June 24, the committee is chaired by the Additional Secretary (Sports-1) of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Its members include:

• Sports organizer Md. Zobaidur Rahman Rana
• Deputy Press Secretary to the Hon'ble Chief Adviser Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar
• Barrister Shaikh Mahadi from the Bangladesh Supreme Court
• Retired Lieutenant Colonel Abu Ayub Mohammad Hasan
• Vice President of the Bangladesh Wushu Federation, Habibur Rahman
• General Secretary of the Gymnastics Federation
• The Director (Sports) of the National Sports Council (serving as Member Secretary)

The committee is required to submit its report to the Ministry within 30 working days. The order, approved by the competent authority, is effective immediately.

"We are working on the process of changing the constitution," Asif told reporters on Friday.

He further elaborated, "The decentralization should be done in such a way that it causes no harm to any stakeholders. There should be no harm to those who are contributing to cricket in this process. We want to change the constitution through a constitutional process and proper stakeholders' consultation."

The Youth and Sports Advisor indicated that the election timing would depend on the constitution amendment process.

"It [BCB election] depends on the process, whether it will be earlier or later," he stated.

"So far there is no reason to delay the election. We can't say at this moment what the situation will be in October (whether we can hold the election on time) but we may talk to the ICC if needed," he added.

"We want to conduct the election(BCB) on time," he concluded.