The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has rejected claims of irregularities in its nomination process, insisting that all procedures are being carried out in line with its Constitution.
The statement comes at a time of mounting debate around the upcoming BCB elections, set for 6 October, though the Election Commission has not yet announced the official schedule.
In the run-up to the polls, former players and sports organisers nominated as councillors by district and divisional sports organisations submitted their forms within the stipulated timeframe. However, controversy arose when Aminul Islam Bulbul, who is overseeing the process, cancelled nominations from district sports bodies that had not submitted their councillor lists through the ad hoc committees.
Adding fuel to the dispute, BCB president Nazmul Hassan personally signed off on the appointments of councillors from the ad hoc committees instead of leaving the task to the board’s Chief Executive, as has been customary. That move sparked two days of heated debate.
In protest against what they allege is government interference in the election process and the president’s overreach of power, representatives of district and divisional sports organisations held a press conference on Sunday. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was present and spoke candidly about the situation.
“Bulbul bhai said he has no idea how the election is being conducted. He knows nothing, his understanding is completely zero. If he does not know anything, haven’t you seen a letter? He signed and said the previous councillors will be excluded,” Tamim said.
He added: “Only those nominated by the ad hoc committee will be accepted. We are sending the forms again. The letter bears his signature. All previous letters were signed by the Chief Executive. According to the constitution, once the committee is formed, he cannot sign anywhere. By signing this letter, he has sent the district sports organisations with some authority, which he does not have.”
Tamim stressed that he was not opposing the election itself, but wanted it to be conducted transparently. “I just want a transparent election. Whatever the result, I have no problem with that. I want a fair election, whether I win or lose is another matter,” he said.
Addressing his own playing future, the former opener remarked: “I don’t need to officially announce my retirement. If I get elected, I won’t play anymore, except for charity matches.”
The BCB, however, has maintained that its nomination process is consistent with the provisions of Article 9.1 of its Constitution. To reinforce its position, it sought the opinion of Justice Mirza Hussain Haider, a former judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. He reviewed the provision, which was amended in 2024 and approved by the National Sports Council (NSC), and concluded that only members of district or divisional committees — whether regular or ad hoc — are eligible to be nominated as councillors.
“There is no scope for any other person outside the committee to be nominated as a Councilor from that particular association,” Justice Haider wrote in his opinion.
The BCB stressed that its election process remains firmly within the framework set out in its Constitution and endorsed by the NSC.
Article 9.1 nomination process
- Purpose: Defines who can be nominated as a Councilor to form the General Council and elect BCB directors
- 2024 amendment: Approved by the National Sports Council
- Current structure: Regional Associations run by Divisional Commissioners; District Associations run by Deputy Commissioners under Ad-hoc Committees
- Key ruling: Only committee members (regular or Ad-hoc) are eligible; outsiders barred
BCB constitutional changes
- 2012: Major reform to meet ICC governance requirements
- 2017: Adjustments to General Council composition and director eligibility
- 2024: Latest amendment to Article 9.1 clarifies nomination rules, approved by NSC
