BCB Polls: Dhaka clubs threaten domestic league boycott

Less than 48 hours before the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) board of directors' election, several Dhaka-based clubs demanded the cancellation of the October 6 polls, terming them "controversial" and warning of a possible boycott of domestic leagues.

At a press conference held today at the Mohammedan Sporting Club premises, organisers circulated a press release outlining their demands and concerns. While the statement warned of a non-cooperation movement if their demands were ignored, organisers themselves appeared cautious, saying they still expected government intervention to resolve the crisis.

The clubs proposed three solutions: extending the tenure of the current board to hold a proper election, forming an ad-hoc committee to oversee the polls, or canceling the current schedule and announcing a fresh one through the existing or a new Election Commission to ensure participation of all stakeholders.

"I think the proposals we made are all positive ones," said club organiser Masuduzzaman. "If the demands are not met, it will hurt our entire sports fraternity. We will try our best to continue participating, but if all doors are closed, only then will we think about our next course of action."

Organisers alleged government interference in the nomination of councillors, the exclusion of club category candidates, and the cancellation of 15 clubs' councillorships. Representatives from 43 of Dhaka's 76 clubs were present at the press meet.

The dispute deepened after a High Court bench on September 30 issued a stay order on a writ petition filed by former BCB president Faruque Ahmed, cancelling the councillorship and voting rights of 15 clubs under Anti-Corruption Commission investigation.

On the very next day, former captain Tamim Iqbal and 15 others, including many councillors who held the press conference today, withdrew their nomination forms, citing government interference and conspiracy.

Meanwhile, the clubs said they would challenge the ruling once the written order is received today.

Amid growing concerns over fairness, more candidates have pulled out of the polls. Legends of Rupganj chairman Lutfor Rahman Badal withdrew on Friday night, followed by Rajshahi Division councillor Hasibul Alam and club councillor Major (Retd) Imroze Ahmed on Saturday. Though all three names will remain on the ballot, Badal insisted he would not join the board even if elected. Abdullah Al Fuad Redwan, contesting from Dhaka Division, is also considering withdrawing.