Surprises in BCB Councillor List

Following the formal announcement of the election schedule for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Board of Directors, discussions have intensified within the country’s cricketing circles. The election timetable was officially declared last Saturday, confirming that the much-anticipated BCB election will be held on 7 June. The deadline for submitting councillor nominations expired at 5:00 pm on the same day.

According to reliable information, a total of 184 councillor nomination forms were submitted against 192 available positions. This leaves eight councillor posts unfilled, as several key organisations and district sports associations did not submit nominations within the stipulated timeframe.

One of the most notable aspects of the current councillor list is the absence of several prominent figures. In the lead-up to the submission deadline, there had been considerable discussion regarding potential candidates from various Dhaka-based clubs. However, a number of these expected names are missing from the final list. Influential individuals such as Faruque Ahmed, Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, and Mahbub Anam are not included among the councillors. Similarly, Istiaq Sadeq and Lokman Hossain have also been excluded from the list submitted by clubs. As a result, these individuals will not be able to participate directly in the upcoming election.

In contrast, a number of recognised figures from Dhaka’s clubs have secured councillor positions. Fahim Sinha has been nominated from Abahani Limited, while Masuduzzaman represents Mohammedan Sporting Club. Lutfur Rahman Badal has been nominated by Legends of Rupganj, and Tanzil Chowdhury by Prime Bank Cricket Club. Other councillors include Tasbir Ul Islam (Bashundhara Strikers), Ishraq Hossain (Brothers Union), and Aziz Al Qaiser (Partex Sporting Cricket Club). Additionally, Moinul Haque Moin (City Club) and Fayazur Rahman Mitu (Uttara Cricket Club) have submitted their nominations.

Further nominations include Yasir Faisal Ashik from Dhanmondi Sports Club and Tamim Iqbal from Old DOHS. Salauddin Chowdhury (Kakrail Boys Club), Amzad Hossain (Tri State Cricketers), and Mirza Yasir Abbas (Azad Sporting Club) are also among the councillors. Other প্রতিনিধatives include Israfil Khasru (Exim Cricketers), Rafiqul Islam Babu (Indira Road Krira Chakra), and Shanian Tanim (Dhaka Mariners Youngs Club). Saeed Ibrahim Ahmed (Fire Fighters Sporting Club) and Sabbir Ahmed (Pragati Seba Sangha) have also submitted nominations.

From Category ‘C’, designated for former players, several well-known cricketers have been included. These include Naeem Islam, Syed Rasel, Nadif Chowdhury, Nazmul Hossain, Dollar Mahmud, Mazhar Uddin, Shamsur Rahman, Nazimuddin, Nafis Iqbal Khan, and Talha Jubair. Among former national captains, Shafiqul Haque, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, Khaled Mahmud Sujon, Habibul Bashar, and Mahmudullah Riyad have also been listed as councillors.

Representation from academic institutions is also evident. Shahadat Hossain from the University of Dhaka, Debabrata Pal from Jahangirnagar University, Sirajuddin Alomgir from the University of Chittagong, and Zahid Hossain from the University of Rajshahi have been nominated. The National Sports Council has submitted five councillors: Kabir Khan, Ruhul Amin, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salauddin Haider, and Zahid Parvez Chowdhury.

Additionally, divisional sports associations have ensured representation. Said Bin Zaman (Dhaka Division), Shahidur Rahman (Chattogram Division), Aminul Haque Dewan (Rajshahi Division), Shamsuzzaman Samu (Rangpur Division), Shafiqul Islam (Khulna Division), Mizanur Rahman (Barishal Division), and Kaiyum Chowdhury (Sylhet Division) are among those included.

A summary of the councillor data is presented below:

Overall, the councillor list reflects both continuity and change, with the inclusion of established cricketing figures alongside the exclusion of several anticipated candidates. The final outcome will be determined during the election scheduled for 7 June.