The July Uprising has brought significant reforms to Bangladesh, but the immediate impact on sports has been challenging.
With leaders of 45 national sports federations either in hiding or removed, many federations are struggling to maintain operations, organise tournaments, or send athletes abroad. The Ministry of Youth and Sports formed a five-member Search Committee in August to recommend reforms, but progress has been slow. The Bangladesh Cricket Board and Football Federation have managed smoother transitions, but other federations face severe disruptions. Financial issues and the absence of authorised signatories are major obstacles.
Athletics Halted
The Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) is struggling after the resignation of General Secretary Abdur Rokib Montu and the removal of President Tofazzal Hossain Miah. Daily activities have stalled due to a lack of funds and signatories.
Swimming Resumes
The Bangladesh Swimming Federation (BSF) briefly halted activities but resumed its national camp on October 1 after financial assurances. The national swimming championships are set for October 9 to 11.
Hockey in Disarray
The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) has also faced significant challenges. Most of the top officials, including General Secretary AKM Mominul Haque Sayeed, a former ward councillor of the Awami League, went into hiding after August 5.
The BHF had planned to send 20 players to Europe to play in various leagues under technical adviser Gerhard Peter Rach, but this was later rescinded due to the inclusion of a former Jubo League leader. Joint Secretary Ariful Haque Prince, also a deputy sports secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, said he renewed efforts to send the players to Europe, but these plans were halted. Players are currently training at BKSP in preparation for November's Men's and Women's Youth Hockey Championships.
Shooting Struggles
The Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation (BSSF) has been struggling since General Secretary Intekhabul Hamid Apu, the younger brother of former state minister for energy Nasrul Hamid, left the country before August 5 and has not returned. The federation has failed to produce good athletes and results in international competitions during Apu's 12-year tenure. With the president also removed, the federation is struggling to continue its camp due to a lack of finances, according to Joint Secretary Mustaque Waise. Around 14 players are currently training under local coaches.
Chess Continues
The Bangladesh Chess Federation (BCF) has managed to continue its activities despite the president, former IGP Benzir Ahmed, quietly leaving the country months before the government's ouster. The BCF recently sent teams to the 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary, and rating chess tournaments are being held regularly at home.
Volleyball Stalled
The Bangladesh Volleyball Federation has halted activities following the removal of President Atiqul Islam. The national team's training camp and international tournaments are postponed.
Kabaddi in Limbo
The Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) has stalled activities due to the removal of key officials. Training and scheduled events are on hold.
Archery Continues Smoothly
The Bangladesh Archery Federation has managed to continue its operations despite the removal of the president, thanks to a well-established system. General Secretary Kazi Razibuddin Ahmed Chapal reported that the youth archery team was sent to the Junior Asian Cup in Chinese Taipei, and the national youth championships will be held from October 17 to 19.
While some federations like archery and chess continue smoothly, most are struggling with the aftermath of the July Uprising. There is hope that the Search Committee will soon provide the necessary guidance to restore stability to the country's sporting landscape.
