Former sports adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has spoken about his decision not to appear before the probe committee on the Bangladesh Cricket Board election.
The committee recently submitted its report to the National Sports Council. It looked into claims of irregularities in the October election. The panel also suggested changes to ensure fair polls in the future. The committee was led by retired judge AKM Asaduzzaman.
Bhuyain shared his stance in a Facebook post. He said he had clear reasons for not attending.
“Why I did not respond to the investigation committee interview regarding BCB: First, the ministry is investigating an autonomous body like BCB without jurisdiction. Second, the committee’s notification itself already gives a decision. Third, the committee and those involved are committing contempt of court by investigating a matter that is under trial in the High Court. Fourth, the State Minister for Sports is pressuring board directors with promises of positions in the next board and forcing resignations through threats if they do not agree.”
He said the committee contacted him about the interview. But he questioned their authority to carry out such an investigation.
“When I was informed by the committee about the interview, I asked whether they have the authority to investigate a matter that is under trial in the High Court and related to an autonomous body. I did not receive any proper answer.”
He also criticised how the process was handled.
“How to run a government, how to issue a notification, what is an autonomous body, what is a matter under trial, what constitutes contempt of court, maybe you do not understand these or you do not care.”
He said he chose not to take part in something he believed was wrong.
“I cannot knowingly be part of such irregular actions and contempt of court. That is why I did not respond to the investigation committee’s interview notice regarding BCB.”
The committee earlier said that Bhuyain did not appear before them. Others, including BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul, gave written responses.
