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BCB Suspends Activities of Constitutional Reform Committee Amid Controversy
Overview of the BCB’s Decision
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially suspended all activities of its contentious constitutional reform committee. The announcement was made on Saturday during the 17th meeting of the BCB Board of Directors, held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
The decision follows severe backlash from Dhaka-based clubs and cricket organizers who expressed discontent with the proposed constitutional changes, resulting in boycotts that threatened the livelihoods of thousands of cricketers.
Background: The Constitutional Reform Controversy
Formation of the Reform Committee
The constitutional reform committee, formed by the BCB, was led by its influential director Nazmul Abedin. The five-member committee included:
- Saiful Islam, Personal Secretary to the National Sports Council Chairman (as the Member Secretary)
- Kamruzzaman, Legal Advisor to the BCB
- Barrister Shyikh Mahdi, Supreme Court Advocate
- AKM Azad Hossain
Their key mandate was to propose changes aimed at restructuring the BCB’s operations and governance.
Proposed Constitutional Changes
The suggested amendments sparked widespread criticism, particularly from Dhaka-based clubs, for the following reasons:
- Dissolution of the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM).
- Reduction in the number of Category-2 councilors in the General Council.
- Decrease in directors representing Dhaka-based clubs from 12 to just 4.
- Reduction in the total number of BCB directors from 25 to 21.
These changes were seen as diminishing the influence of Dhaka-based clubs, leading to protests and boycotts.
Club Boycotts and Cricketer Concerns
Boycotts Threaten Domestic Cricket
On January 14, Dhaka club organizers threatened to boycott the league due to the proposed reforms. Four days later, First Division domestic cricket matches were boycotted, affecting the livelihoods of 1,600 to 2,000 cricketers.
BCB’s Response to the Crisis
In response, the BCB took immediate action to address the unrest and ensure the league’s continuity. “The board felt that the process should be more transparent,” said BCB Director Mahbub Anam.
BCB’s Official Statement on Suspension
Transparency and Stakeholder Involvement
Anam clarified that the board suspended the committee’s activities to ensure greater transparency and stakeholder involvement. “The constitution is public information, and there can’t be any secrecy surrounding it,” he added.
The BCB also announced plans to redefine the committee’s scope of work before implementing any changes.
Additional Issues Addressed by the BCB
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Controversies
The ongoing Bangladesh Premier League has also posed challenges for the BCB, with players boycotting practice over non-payment issues. Anam assured that BCB would take stringent action to ensure franchise owners honor their contracts.
Interim Elections
BCB officials hinted at the possibility of interim elections to fill vacant posts on the board. Legal teams have been tasked with drafting a roadmap for this process.
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