Bangladesh’s cricket administration is facing renewed scrutiny after authorities initiated a formal investigation into the controversial Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election. According to a report by Daily Sun, the National Sports Council has established a five-member independent committee to examine allegations of irregularities and misconduct linked to the 2025 vote.
The council confirmed the move through an official notification issued on March 11, setting in motion a formal probe into complaints surrounding the conduct of the election.
Independent panel formed to review BCB election process
Retired Supreme Court Judge AKM Asaduzzaman has been appointed to chair the investigation panel. The committee also includes Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Selim Fakir, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam, sports journalist ATM Sayeeduzzaman, and Supreme Court advocate Barrister Saleh Akram Samrat.
The panel will review allegations tied to the election and assess whether the councillor nomination process complied with the Bangladesh Cricket Board constitution as well as applicable laws and regulations.
The committee has been given the authority to gather documents and evidence related to the complaints and to record statements from individuals and organisations connected to the election process.
Probe triggered by complaints from clubs and cricket administrators
The investigation follows growing concerns raised by cricket stakeholders regarding how the election was conducted. A formal complaint submitted by divisional councillors and cricket organisers highlighted alleged irregularities, including questions surrounding councillor nominations, the creation of ad-hoc committees, and possible misuse of authority by officials involved in the election process.
Earlier, a group of Dhaka-based clubs led by former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal had also called for an inquiry, claiming that 50 of the 76 clubs in the capital supported a probe into the election.
Committee to report findings within 15 working days
Officials have instructed the panel to complete its inquiry and submit its report to the State Minister for Youth and Sports within 15 working days.
As part of the investigation, the committee may seek explanations from clubs, organisations, and individuals connected to the election if necessary. The panel is also authorised to bring in additional experts should specialised input be required during the review.
Alongside determining the validity of the complaints, the committee is expected to provide recommendations aimed at improving transparency and accountability in future Bangladesh Cricket Board elections.
Responding to questions about his appointment, committee chairman AKM Asaduzzaman indicated that he had not yet formally received the official communication regarding the role. “I haven’t received the letter yet. Once I receive it, I will decide what to do and how to do it. I have only heard that I have been appointed.” AKM Asaduzzaman, Retired Supreme Court Judge and Chairman of the Probe Committee, told Daily Sun.
The outcome of the investigation could influence how the disputed BCB election is addressed and may shape governance reforms within Bangladesh cricket moving forward.
