Since taking office, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, the Adviser for Youth and Sports of the interim government, has been a vocal advocate for sweeping reforms within the sports sector. His commitment to change was evident during his unannounced visit to the Bangabandhu Stadium in Gulistan on Thursday. The primary objective of this
visit was to uncover the true
state of the stadium's shops,
which have long been a subject of controversy.
During his inspection, Asif Mahmud toured several shops within the stadium and was visibly disheartened by what he saw. The conditions were far from satisfactory, revealing a deep-seated issue of mismanagement and corruption. He later shared his observations on social media, highlighting the extent of the problem.
It was discovered that while the National Sports Council (NSC) officially rents out these shops at a rate of 20-22 Taka per square foot, the actual rental rates being charged ranged from 170 to 220 Taka per square foot. This discrepancy points to a significant issue of financial misappropriation and lack of oversight.
Asif Mahmud believes that the government's financial losses due to the NSC's poor supervision are substantial. He pointed out that the lack of funds has crippled the operations of various sports federations, halted tournaments, and left stadiums in a state of disrepair. This situation has persisted for years, resulting in the theft of billions of Taka.
The need for reform in Bangladesh's sports sector is urgent and undeniable. The current state of affairs not only hampers the development of sports but also tarnishes the country's reputation. Asif Mahmud's efforts to bring these issues to light are commendable, but much more needs to be done to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of sports facilities and funds. The future of Bangladesh's sports depends on the swift and effective implementation of these much-needed reforms.
