The debate over the forthcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections intensified after former national captain Tamim Iqbal claimed at a press conference on 21 September that senior levels of government were trying to influence the polls.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has since hit back at those allegations. Speaking to Jamuna Television, he accused Tamim’s camp of intimidation tactics and suggested the cricketer may not fully understand what was happening in his name.
“People on Tamim bhai’s side are abducting individuals to seize club councillorships. Then, on Tamim bhai’s behalf, Bulbul bhai was phoned and told: ‘Step away from the election, we will make you CEO instead.’ What would you call this? These are terrorist activities, and they are being carried out using someone like Tamim Iqbal as the front. His banner is being used. I don’t know how much he realises that such terrorist activities are being done in his name,” said the adviser.
Responding to Tamim’s charge of government interference, he added:
“If you describe the government’s routine work as interference, then you first have to understand the extent of its jurisdiction. If anything is done beyond that jurisdiction, then you can call it illegal interference and take legal action. If necessary, you can even inform the ICC that guidelines are being broken here.”
Asif Mahmud insisted that regular communication with officials under his authority could not be labelled interference.
“I can speak to anyone under my authority. My secretary can also speak with them. This is routine government activity. You cannot call it interference. In many places, political party leaders have phoned deputy commissioners. I would call that illegal interference. Senior leaders have been pressing to send councillors, that is politicisation.”
Despite his criticism, the adviser described Tamim as his favourite player:
“If Tamim Iqbal, as my favourite cricketer, were contesting as a representative of Bangladesh’s fans, I would perhaps be happier. But not as a candidate for a political party.”
