Probe committee submits report on BCB election irregularities to NSC

The independent inquiry committee formed by the National Sports Council (NSC) to investigate irregularities in last year’s Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election submitted its report on Sunday after completing its probe.

The five-member committee, headed by retired Supreme Court justice AKM Asaduzzaman, handed over the report to Ministry of Youth and Sports Additional Secretary Selim Fakir and NSC Director of Sports Aminul Ehsan at the NSC headquarters.

“Having completed the investigation, we came to submit the report--and we have done so. We tried to remain neutral and questioned those whose involvement we found. We tried our best to gather information and present it properly,” Asaduzzaman told reporters after submitting the report.

“In brief, without accusing anyone, we have submitted a neutral report on what we found regarding the election. Once you see the report, you will understand its contents. We have objectively discussed the election declarations and commented on the data,” he added.

When asked about recommendations, Asaduzzaman said the committee had proposed measures to improve the electoral process.

“We tried to provide some recommendations, such as guidelines to ensure a smooth election and whether improvements are needed within the board,” he said.

He also confirmed that constitutional amendments had been suggested.

“We have made some recommendations -- you can see them in the report. If the board considers them appropriate, they may act on them,” he added.

Asaduzzaman further said that former sports adviser Asif Mahmud did not appear before the committee, while the election commission that conducted last year’s BCB election submitted a written response.

Later, on his official Facebook page, Asif explained why he did not respond to the committee’s request for an interview.

“Firstly, the ministry is conducting an investigation beyond its jurisdiction over the autonomous institution, the BCB. Secondly, the decision has already been made within the notification issued by the investigation committee itself. Thirdly, by investigating a matter currently under consideration in the High Court, the committee and those involved are committing contempt of court. Fourthly, the State Minister for Sports is pressuring board directors -- offering them positions in the next board, and forcing resignations through intimidation if they refuse,” Asif wrote on Sunday.

“When I was informed about the interview request, I asked whether they had the authority to investigate a matter that is sub judice in the High Court and involves an autonomous institution. I did not receive a satisfactory response,” he added.

Meanwhile, at the time the committee was formed, BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul was in Australia with his family. After returning to the country, he submitted a written statement to the committee.

Earlier, on March 11, the NSC announced the formation of the inquiry committee through a press release and gave it 15 working days to submit its report.