BCB Elections and Fixing Allegations: The Hidden Story

Bangladesh’s sports arena, especially cricket, has once again become the center of heated discussions. Recent remarks by the Sports Adviser at a press conference have sparked debate, focusing on fixing, BCB elections, administrative interference, and the hidden politics of power transition.

“My favorites are now involved in disgraceful acts.” Who exactly was the Adviser referring to? Opening his remarks with, “I was once just a fan,” he added an emotional touch—but beneath the emotion lay frustration and disappointment. Without naming names, his pointed remarks indicated match-fixing, illegal bookmaker links, and administrative corruption.

Had such comments come from anyone other than the most powerful figure in Bangladesh’s sports administration, they might have been dismissed as speculation. But from him, they carry both concern and a veiled warning. On the issue of fixing, he hinted directly:

“In sports, fixing and illegal booking exist globally. In Bangladesh, BCB and we are also working to counter them.”

The Adviser insisted that the government and BCB are taking steps to curb these issues. Yet questions remain unanswered: Who is involved? What measures have been taken? When will results be seen? Pointing towards responsibility, he added,

“Bulbul Bhai is here. He has been entrusted with these matters.”

This clearly places responsibility on current BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, although his role in tackling these problems remains unclear. Another hot topic is the government’s influence in selecting the BCB President. The Adviser had previously admitted:

“Faruk Ahmed was made president because I wanted it.”

Later, Faruk was removed, Aminul was installed, and now there are hints of helping him in the upcoming elections—all of which suggest that BCB leadership is shaped under the Adviser’s umbrella.

While denying government interference, the Adviser simultaneously admitted,

“There are pressures on DCs to make councillors. To prevent such things, government intervention is necessary.”

This sends a mixed message—rejecting interference yet justifying intervention at the same time. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul himself was present at the meeting. Although officially explained as an open invitation to other federations, only Aminul attended. This raised eyebrows, with many viewing his presence as a sign of government preference and pre-arrangement for the elections.

The Adviser also announced a sponsor conference within a month to boost sports funding, which could be a positive signal long-term. But the larger question remains: when internal reforms are unclear, can external branding really restore trust?

Speaking to journalists, he said,

“Within a month, we will hold a sponsor conference to increase sports funding. But until internal reforms in cricket are complete, how effective this initiative will be remains to be seen.”

At this point, what’s unfolding in Bangladesh’s sporting world is not just an administrative issue but the beginning of an ethical crisis. If the Adviser’s hints about corruption and fixing are true, they are not just shameful—they are matters for serious investigation.

Now the question is: will these signals translate into real probes, or will political influence and power struggles once again keep the ‘cleansing drive’ of sports confined to paperwork?