The search committee established for reforms in the sports sector commenced discussions with various federations on Tuesday. The committee engaged with the Hockey, Billiards and Snooker, and Chess Federations. Over three consecutive days, the committee will hold discussions with nine federations, including Athletics, Squash, and Kabaddi tomorrow, and Tennis, Fencing, and Bridge Federations on Thursday.
During the discussions held at the National Sports Council (NSC), two officials from each federation, one coach or expert, four current national team players, four former officials, and four former players were invited. The former players must have at least Premier Division playing experience. Additionally, two coaches/referees/umpires and three senior organisers were invited.
Mamun-ur-Rashid, who was invited as a former hockey player, mentioned that the primary focus was on potential steps for the development of hockey. Suggestions were sought on necessary reforms in the federation's constitution, the criteria for councillors in the election, and the qualifications required to become a councillor.
After the discussion, Mamun stated, "I mentioned that domestic hockey has significantly declined. The game needs to be revitalised and included in the constitution, to be implemented by the federation. Accountability can be ensured if these elements are enshrined in the constitution. Furthermore, hockey in Bangladesh has become overly reliant on the national team. Players outside the national team should remain active in the sport. There must be activities for all players. I have provided suggestions on how these can be implemented through the constitution."
Mamun added, "The general secretary currently controls the sub-committees of the hockey federation and operates them at his discretion. This practice cannot continue. According to the constitution, the sub-committees must be activated, thereby reducing the general secretary's power."
According to the current hockey constitution, a district gains councillorship in the federation election if it participates in the youth or national championship twice in four years. Mamun-ur-Rashid demanded a change in this provision, stating, "There has been a proposal that councillorship should be granted only if the concerned district league is organised. We have also agreed that there should be a councillorship quota for former national players."
Five players from the current national hockey team, including Russell Mahmood Jimmy, attended the event. Jimmy demanded that hockey players be placed on a monthly salary. Explaining his demand, he said, "Those who play in the army receive a monthly salary, but players outside the forces receive nothing. Therefore, I have demanded that hockey players be placed on a salary."
Jimmy also called for government jobs for players involved in domestic hockey. Recently, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) punished 41 individuals, including players, coaches, and officials, for various periods for violating Premier League discipline. Jimmy was among those punished. However, he does not accept this punishment, stating, "I have sought the intervention of the Ministry of Justice." The former national team captain also demanded that corrupt individuals be barred from the federation's committee.
Two grandmasters, Rifat bin Sattar and Enamul Hossain Rajeev, participated in the discussion with the chess federation. They demanded that chess players be allowed to become councillors in the federation elections. Various proposals were also made to include former players in the chess committee.
Convener Jobaidur Rahman was absent from the search committee meeting. Three remaining members attended. Additionally, BKSP Director General Brigadier General Mohiuddin Ahmed was dismissed from the search committee and replaced by Munirul Islam.
