A cloud of financial uncertainty continues to hang over Bangladeshi sports federations, with the exception of the powerful Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The National Sports Council's (NSC) recently approved budget of TK 36 crore (approximately $4.2 million) for the 2024-25 financial year offers little respite, representing a mere TK 10 lakh increase from the previous year. This meagre allocation proves wholly inadequate to meet the pressing needs of player development, training programs, and overall sports administration across the country.
NSC Chairman and Youth and Sports Minister Nazmul Hassan Papon recognizes the limitations of the current budget. He assures federations that a request for additional funding has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance. However, the extent to which this request will be met remains unclear.
Significantly, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) was excluded from the collective demand letter sent to the Finance Ministry. Minister Papon acknowledges the unique needs of football and emphasizes the need for further discussions. The BCB, operating as an autonomous entity, receives no government grants through the NSC.
The funding allocation itself sparks debate. The BFF received the highest allotment of 27.78 lakh taka, followed closely by Hockey and Swimming/Athletics/Shooting (all at TK -25 lakh). Meanwhile, federations like Women's Sports, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Gymnastics, Basketball, and Badminton receive significantly less, hovering around 15 lakh taka. This disparity makes participation in international tournaments a constant struggle for many federations, further hampered by the inconsistent availability of government financial assistance.
Beyond the financial constraints, the NSC meeting addressed several other matters. The recent passing of chess Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman highlighted the lack of a dedicated doctor within the NSC for the past five years. Minister Papon emphasized the urgent need to address this critical gap. Proposals to rename the Tangail District Stadium and the Bangladesh Amateur Boxing Federation's request to drop the word "amateur" were tabled but await formal approval.
The meeting also saw the Minister raise concerns about the distinction between associations and federations, though this topic wasn't officially on the agenda. Unfortunately, NSC officials were unable to provide a definitive answer on this point.
The current financial situation paints a bleak picture for most Bangladeshi sports federations. While hopes rest on securing additional funding, the lack of a clear plan and the uneven distribution of existing resources create uncertainty. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a more robust and equitable sporting landscape in Bangladesh.
