BSSF apologises after terming media reports false, motivated

Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation (BSSF) officials on Wednesday admitted to mistakes after previously describing media reports as "planned, motivated, baseless, confusing propaganda, lies and defamatory information" during a press conference.

The BSSF had called the press conference to counter what it claimed were false reports in print and electronic media and to clarify the federation's position. However, during the event, sports journalists asked ad-hoc committee general secretary Ferdows Ara Khanom to specify the alleged false or defamatory reports mentioned in the four-page written statement.

Khanom failed to cite any specific reports and instead alleged that the media had published "misinformation from shooters without proper scrutiny." At one stage of the press conference, she admitted the use of inappropriate language in the letter sent to the media, while BSSF member Sarwar also apologised for the "mistakes."

Following the formation of the BSSF ad-hoc committee in mid-July last year, joint secretary GM Haider was accused by several former and current female shooters of sexual harassment, mental torture and partiality. The ad-hoc committee, however, allegedly did not take effective action, prompting current and former athletes and organisers to stage a human chain in protest in recent weeks.

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Shooting federation suspends Koly following her allegations

The National Sports Council (NSC) formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations against Haider. The NSC suspended the BSSF joint secretary last week, even before the inquiry committee submitted its report, which reportedly recommended a lifetime ban on Haider.

In her written statement, Khanom accused six individuals -- Kamrunnahar Koly, Tasmayati Ali Ema, Sabrina Sultana, Sharmin Akter Ratna and Mirza Abidur Rahman -- of bringing allegations of mental torture and harassment against the federation through the media. She claimed they violated procedures and protocol by not first informing the federation.

Denying allegations of mental torture, Khanom said the shooters had been summoned based on complaints against each other and were instructed not to spread rumours or behave indecently.

Despite Haider's removal by the NSC, he was seen at the federation premises on Wednesday. Khanom said the BSSF had not yet officially received the NSC directive and had only learned of it through media reports.