As Bangladesh’s cricket and football federations embrace a wave of reform, a different story is unfolding on the track. While other sports are being restructured with new funding, training facilities, and transparent policies, athletics remains in crisis.
Behind the headlines of medal ceremonies and inter-district competitions lies a troubled federation, where frustration is growing among athletes and confidence in the leadership is rapidly eroding.
One national-level athlete, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to fear of backlash, described the current environment as “deeply demoralising” and “increasingly unsafe for anyone who dares to speak the truth.”
Lack of transparency in decision-making
Despite claims by the federation that team selections and coaching appointments are handled by committees, athletes report that decisions are regularly made behind closed doors. The processes, they say, lack transparency and are driven by a small group of individuals with outsized influence.
According to the anonymous athlete, selections are often finalised without wider input from committee members. This undermines fairness and objectivity, leaving athletes confused about why they were excluded or replaced.
“When decisions are made without explanation, it hurts morale and creates distrust,” he said. “You feel like you’re training in the dark.”
Words of reassurance, actions of retaliation
While the federation has publicly stated that athletes are free to raise concerns without fear of harassment, recent actions suggest otherwise. The reported suspension of sprinter Jahir Rayhan after he expressed frustration over inadequate support serves as a chilling example.
“That incident sent a message to all of us,” said the athlete. “Speak out, and you might lose everything.”
Such contradictions between policy and practice have discouraged many athletes from lodging official complaints. The lack of a formal safeguarding policy only deepens that fear.
Coach removals disrupted athlete preparation
At the recent Asian Athletics Championships, several athletes had their personal coaches removed from national training camps without explanation. These disruptions reportedly harmed their preparation and performance.
“The federation talks about performance, but how can we perform when they remove the coaches we have trained with for years?” the athlete asked.
To make matters worse, the coaching slots were reportedly filled by individuals closely connected to the decision-makers within the federation, raising serious questions about bias and the prioritisation of personal influence over athlete welfare.
Historical claims don’t reflect reality
The federation has also presented prize money and incentives as recent developments under the current leadership. However, athletes assert that cash rewards for medallists have been in place for several years.
“If we want progress, it has to be built on honest reflection. You can’t claim credit for something that already existed,” said the athlete.
Transparency about past and present practices is crucial for restoring trust among the athlete community.
Foreign coaching promises still unfulfilled
The federation has long promised to bring in foreign coaches to raise training standards. Yet, no international appointments have been made, and many local coaches continue to lack the qualifications or experience necessary for elite competition.
Despite repeated assurances, progress remains slow.
“This was meant to be a key part of reform. But no foreign experts have arrived. Meanwhile, our competitors in other countries are getting stronger,” the athlete noted.
Financial realities need more honesty
The federation often cites limited funding as a reason for sending fewer athletes to international competitions. However, athletes point out that the cost is often not borne by the federation alone. Service teams such as the Army and Navy frequently cover travel and training expenses for their own athletes, while event organisers offer reimbursement or support.
Acknowledging these financial dynamics is essential for honest conversations about budget limitations and resource allocation.
Failure to follow international standards
There are growing concerns that domestic competitions are not consistently aligning with World Athletics regulations. These discrepancies can affect rankings, qualification for international meets, and the integrity of national records.
“Rules exist for a reason. If we ignore them, it’s the athletes who suffer, not the officials,” said the source.
Poor performances reflect deeper problems
Despite claims of improvement, Bangladesh’s recent international performances have been among the worst in years. At both the World Indoor Championships and the Asian Athletics Championships, the team underperformed.
These results have led to questions not just about the athletes’ preparation, but also about the federation’s overall strategy, planning, and leadership.
“If reform is really happening, where are the results? We’re not seeing progress. We’re seeing decline,” the athlete said.
He stressed that poor performance is often a reflection of an unstable environment rather than a lack of talent.
A president under pressure, but promising reform
President Shahidul Islam, who assumed leadership of the Bangladesh Athletics Federation in December 2024, insists that change is under way. He points to inter-district competitions across all 64 districts, junior and summer championships, and international exposure for cross-country teams as signs of progress.
He has also submitted a proposal to the government following suggestions from the Hon. Sports Adviser and promises to introduce a safeguarding policy once it receives approval from World Athletics.
“I want every athlete to feel welcome. Come to the federation for a cup of tea. Let’s talk about your career,” he said.
Yet the anonymous athlete doubts whether such openness is genuine.
“It sounds good, but we need protection, not promises. Right now, most of us are afraid to even enter the office,” he said.
A federation out of step with the times
As cricket and football advance through reform and strategic investment, athletics in Bangladesh remains stuck. A lack of transparency, fear of retaliation, inconsistent support, and unfulfilled promises have left athletes disillusioned.
The federation says change is coming. But until that change is reflected in fair selections, professional coaching, and an environment where athletes feel safe to speak, the track will remain a place not of opportunity, but of quiet despair.
For the athletes who train day and night to represent their country, it is time for leadership to catch up to their commitment.
