In response to the demands of students and the public, Sheikh Hasina has finally resigned and left the country. An interim government is now being established to steer the nation. Historically, such governmental shifts have also influenced the sports sector, often resulting in the removal of officials closely linked to the ruling party or appointed by the government.
The call for a politics-free sports sector is more urgent than ever. Following Sheikh Hasina's resignation, former athletes and organisers have expressed their desire for a sports sector devoid of political influence. They unanimously agree that no one with political affiliations should hold positions in sports federations. Former hockey player Rafiqul Islam Kamal stated unequivocally, "We want a politics-free sports sector. Only those who love sports and are genuinely involved in it should be in the federations. It is not appropriate for anyone to come in and create divisions."
Former footballer Sheikh Mohammad Aslam supports not only a politics-free sports sector but also a complete overhaul. He remarked, "Individuals have been holding positions in federations for 10-20 years without any results. Changes are necessary in these areas. Accountability in the sports sector is also crucial. Was there any accountability for the team that went to the Paris Olympics? No, there wasn't. Qualified individuals should be placed in appropriate positions, which will bring about change."
Former badminton player and organiser Kamrun Nahar Dana also advocates for capable individuals to lead the sports sector. She emphasised, "It is not right to appoint someone who knows nothing about the sport to a federation. The general secretary of a district sports association should not become the federation's secretary. Often, district officials dominate the federations as well. During this period of government change, I hope that no one can hold the secretary position for more than two terms."
He has demanded that the club's field be opened to the local community.
He also mentioned, "Many qualified individuals cannot enter federations or become councillors. It is not right to run federations with political people. This must end. Federation elections should be transparent."
The election for the executive committee of the country's top federation, BFF, led by Kazi Salahuddin, is likely to be held on October 26, following FIFA regulations. However, after Sheikh Hasina's resignation, it will not be easy for anyone from the Awami League to get elected in the BFF elections.
The outgoing Awami League government's Youth and Sports Minister was Nazmul Hassan, who is also the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). It is evident that Nazmul Hassan will have to leave the Youth and Sports Ministry. However, the government does not appoint the president of the cricket board. According to ICC regulations, the BCB's board of directors is elected, and the president is chosen from among the elected directors.
In the country's sports sector, while the presidents of a few federations are elected, the government appoints the top positions in most others. Even though the executive committees of the federations are elected, they are essentially controlled by government-affiliated individuals. Leaders of the ruling party have been 'governing' most federations, including hockey, swimming, and athletics. Despite having no connection to sports, many have secured important positions like general secretary of federations through political influence. The sports community hopes that this trend will end this time, which is crucial for the development of sports in the country.
