Shooter Koly’s suspension lifted with strict conditions

The Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation (BSSF) on Wednesday conditionally withdrew the suspension of the country’s premier female shooter, Kamrunnahar Koly.

Koly was handed a one-year ban in early February on disciplinary grounds. Koly -- Bangladesh’s only shooter to have reached the final of the women’s 10m air rifle event at an ISSF World Cup -- had denied all allegations brought against her by the BSSF executive committee.

The federation took the decision to withdraw the suspension at an emergency executive committee meeting on Wednesday, citing Koly’s application as well as recommendations from the State Minister for Youth and Sports. However, the BSSF imposed strict conditions on her media and communication, aiming to rein in the outspoken shooter, who had earlier alleged mental, sexual, and other forms of harassment against then joint secretary GM Haider.

“In view of the application of shooter Kamrunnahar Koly and on the specific recommendation of the State Minister for Youth and Sports, the temporary expulsion order imposed on her has been withdrawn, subject to the following conditions. This order will come into effect immediately,” read the withdrawal letter sent to the National Sports Council and Koly.

The letter also stated that Koly will remain under observation for the next three months, and any breach of discipline -- even minor -- could result in permanent suspension.

According to the conditions, Koly must strictly adhere to communication guidelines: all public and social media activity will be subject to oversight, and she is prohibited from making unauthorised, anti-federation, or provocative statements, as well as posting derogatory content about officials, coaches, or teammates. Participation in media interviews or talk shows will require formal written approval at least 48 hours in advance.

Furthermore, she must maintain strict confidentiality, ensuring that internal discussions, administrative data, and national team training methodologies are not disclosed publicly. She will also have to sign a commitment letter agreeing to all conditions before rejoining the federation.