Rivalries within Bangladeshi hockey are nothing new, particularly during federation elections. This time, the discord centres around Major Imroz Ahmed, a member of the search committee established by the Ministry of Sports to revamp the sports arena. Recently, several former hockey players have called for Major Imroz's removal, accusing him of bias due to his affiliation with the Awami League. They claim that his involvement in the search committee meetings is prejudiced.
In response, other former players, organisers, and current players have rallied in support of Major Imroz, asserting their trust in his integrity and capabilities. They gathered in front of the National Sports Council's new building, protesting under banners that denounced the allegations as false and conspiratorial. Veteran hockey player and coach Hossain Imam Chowdhury Shanta vouched for Imroz's character, highlighting his organisational skills and contributions to international games.
National sports award-winning player Mamunur Rashid dismissed the removal demands as a malicious plot by a few individuals intent on disrupting the sport. His ally, Rafiqul Islam Kamal, has called for punitive measures against those seeking Imroz's ousting. Abu Zafar Tapan, another respected figure in the hockey community, questioned the timing and motives behind the removal demands, noting the search committee's formation a month prior.
Current players also voiced their support, with Pushkar Khisa Mimo condemning the attempts to undermine the search committee's work. Conversely, former national team captain Russell Khan Bappi, leading the removal demand, criticised the current committee's legitimacy and called for a reconstitution of the Hockey Players Welfare Association.
The search committee, led by former national badminton champion Zobaydur Rahman Rana, acknowledged the protests and expressed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. However, they emphasised the need for respectful discourse. The committee, responsible for drafting ad hoc committees for various sports federations, is now reconsidering its approach in light of the ongoing conflict.
Officials from Mohammedan Sporting Club supported the removal demand, while Mariners' officials and other stakeholders, including school students, participated in the counter-protest, demonstrating the widespread impact of this internal clash.
The search committee drafted several federation ad hoc committees. This includes hockey. The search committee is a bit hesitant in this situation, 'we have to think a little more in this situation. A few things we will look into. If the truth is not found then there is no chance of accepting it.'
Mohammedan officials were present to demand the removal of Major Imroz on Thursday. The Mariners' officials were outnumbered today. Today's protest was attended by some star players, organizers as well as school students.
