All sports federation elections in Bangladesh are now on hold before the national election, following a directive from the Election Commission.
All federations except football and cricket have been running under ad hoc committees in the recent past. About a month ago, the National Sports Council asked all federations and associations to get ready for elections. At that time, the Golf Federation had already started its election process. A few other federations were also close to beginning theirs.
On Monday, the Election Commission issued an order. It said that elections of all professional bodies, educational institutions, journalists’ groups, business bodies and other organisations must take place after 12 February. This comes ahead of the national election and referendum scheduled on that date. The draft voter list of the Golf Federation had already been published before the order.
After the directive, election activities were stopped. “Under the Election Commission’s instruction, the Golf Federation election is postponed for now. No federation or association will start election activities before the national election,” said Director Sports Aminul Ehsan.
Later on Monday night, the National Sports Council decided to apply the suspension across the sports sector. So far, no formal letter has been sent to the Golf Federation or other federations. Aminul Ehsan said the Election Commission’s order applies automatically to sports bodies. The aim is to keep the national election and referendum free from influence.
On Tuesday afternoon, the National Sports Council held a meeting with officials from 11 federations. Sepak Takraw, rugby, baseball and several other federations raised issues about office space. The newly appointed Executive Director of the council, Daulatuzzaman Khan, said the problems would be addressed.
The council plans to inspect Maulana Bhashani Stadium, the old National Sports Council building and the National Stadium. Unused and extra rooms will then be shared among the 11 federations.
