Ishraq reveals whether he will take charge of BCB
Ishraq Hossain, the newly elected MP from Dhaka-6 constituency, has said that he has no intention of going to the top positions of Bangladesh Cricket Board or BCB. He said that his future is in full-time politics. Brothers Union owner and BCB councilor Ishraq has said that the discussions surrounding him during the recent board elections were purposeful. He made it clear that he was never in the running to become a board director.
He said in a recent press conference, ‘I have never thought of contesting for the board member position. Some people have used my name for their own interests and said that I want to go to the board as a director.’ He also said, ‘I do not have time. I will be involved in full-time politics. I want experienced and full-time sports organizers to come forward and run the board. We are here to support them.’
Ishraq said that the country’s sports crisis will not be solved by changing the top brass only. Internal problems have to be solved. He said, ‘I am not saying that everything has to be changed. But our problems have already been identified.’ He added, ‘We have infrastructural problems. There are problems of financial corruption and there are allegations of involvement of international syndicates. All the problems have to be solved together.’
He stressed on a structured talent search program to pave a professional path for young sportspersons. In the past one year, Ishraq has been a strong critic of the BCB selection process. He has repeatedly called it illegal. Now, under the new government, he wants a solution through talks. However, he also noted that allegations of irregularities should not be ignored.
He said, ‘As a councilor, I want to sit with this board and know what they have done and what their plans are.’ Ishraq also made strong allegations against former youth and sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan. He said, “The then government’s youth and sports advisor started his career in politics and installed his own people through major corruption, business and favoritism.” He added, “When this came from a government advisor, we could not remain silent.” He also strongly reacted to the comments made by current BCB director M Nazmul Islam. Ishraq said, “M Nazmul has insulted our country and nation. We will not make any concessions on this matter. He will have to face the law.” He also said that Nazmul’s comments about Tamim Iqbal were unacceptable. He indicated that these matters would come under investigation.
