The National Sports Council (NSC) has removed Ishfaq Ahsan, who had been appointed as a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director from its quota, only hours after his selection. The decision was confirmed to Jamuna TV by NSC Executive Director Kazi Nazrul Islam, who cited Ishfaq’s “controversial past” as the reason behind the move.
“Through the media, we came to know about Ishfaq Ahsan’s controversial background. We have already decided to remove him. The new director’s name will be announced on Tuesday,” Nazrul said on Monday evening.
Ishfaq, known for his affiliation with the ruling Awami League, was a member of the party’s International Affairs Sub-Committee and a former central committee member of its youth wing, the Jubo League. During the 2024 parliamentary elections, he had sought nomination from the Awami League to contest from Chandpur-2 constituency, with several photos and videos of his campaign activities widely circulated on social media.
His appointment as a BCB director from the NSC quota sparked immediate controversy, with criticism erupting over how a politically affiliated figure could hold such a position in a national sports body. Following the backlash, the NSC swiftly revoked his appointment within six hours of the announcement.
The latest BCB election, held on 6 October, was already mired in controversy after former national captain Tamim Iqbal and 21 other candidates withdrew, alleging government interference. Despite the withdrawals, voting went ahead as scheduled, with 23 directors elected across three categories and two others—initially Ishfaq Ahsan and Yasir Mohammad Faisal Ashiq, appointed through the NSC quota.
In the election, several divisional directors, including those from Khulna, Chattogram, Barishal and Sylhet, were elected uncontested. Out of 191 eligible voters, 115 cast their votes, resulting in a turnout of 73.71 percent.
The BCB has scheduled a meeting for 12 pm on 7 October, where 25 directors, including the two NSC representatives, were expected to attend. However, following Ishfaq’s removal, the total now stands at 24. The NSC is expected to announce a replacement before the meeting, though no name has yet been confirmed.
