Asif Mahmud explains why he did not respond to the inquiry committees call

Following allegations of irregularities and bias in the recent Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, the National Sports Council (NSC) formed an investigation committee, which submitted its report on Sunday (April 5). As part of the inquiry, committee members spoke with several concerned individuals, and BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul also appeared before them. However, former Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan did not respond to the committee’s call.

Explaining his decision, Asif Bhuiyan shared a post on his Facebook account. The post is reproduced below:

“Why I did not respond to the BCB-related investigation committee’s interview:

Firstly,

The ministry is conducting an investigation beyond its jurisdiction over an autonomous institution like the BCB.

Secondly,

The decision has already been implied within the committee’s official notification.

Thirdly,

By investigating a matter that is sub judice in the High Court, the committee and all those involved are committing contempt of court.

Fourthly,

The State Minister for Sports is allegedly pressuring board directors—offering them positions in the next board or forcing resignations through intimidation if they refuse.

When I was informed about the interview by the investigation committee, I sought clarification on whether they had the authority to investigate an autonomous institution and a matter under judicial consideration in the High Court. However, I received no satisfactory response.

Perhaps you do not understand—or choose to ignore—how a government should function, how official notifications should be issued, what constitutes an autonomous institution, what falls under sub judice matters, and what amounts to contempt of court.

I will not knowingly involve myself in actions that are irregular or amount to contempt of court. That is why I did not respond to the notice for the investigation committee’s interview regarding the BCB.”