In the wake of recent political changes, reforms are sweeping across various sectors of the country, including sports administration. The Ministry of Youth and Sports announced today (Wednesday) the dissolution of all district, divisional, upazila, and women's sports committees. This directive, signed by Assistant Secretary SM Humayun Kabir, marks a significant restructuring within the sports administrative framework.
Typically, the elected committees of district and divisional sports bodies, akin to federations, serve a four-year term. Disrupting these elected bodies could potentially invite international sanctions. The National Sports Council (NSC) holds the authority to dissolve local sports organisations, with the District Commissioner and Divisional Commissioner serving as Presidents of the District and Divisional Sports Associations, respectively.
The Ministry's letter instructs the District and Divisional Commissioners to establish ad-hoc committees comprising renowned sportspersons and individuals involved in sports within their respective regions. These committees must seek approval from the NSC.
At the grassroots level, the upazila sports organisations form the base of the sports administrative structure. The Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) is tasked with forming the ad-hoc committees for these organisations, which do not require NSC approval. Instead, the District Commissioner, who also serves as the President of the District Sports Association, can approve them. While district and divisional sports bodies are elected, women's sports bodies at these levels are always managed by ad-hoc committees.
The general secretaries of district and divisional sports organisations wield significant influence in the country's sports arena. For instance, AJM Nasir, the General Secretary of the Chittagong District Sports Association, is the President of the District and Divisional Sports Organising Council. Similarly, Ashiqur Rahman Miku, the General Secretary of the Narail District Sports Association, serves as the General Secretary of the Volleyball Federation and the Organising Council. MB Saif, the General Secretary of the Dhaka Divisional Sports Association, holds the position of Secretary of the Swimming Federation.
These secretaries often occupy top posts in various federations and play pivotal roles in the elections of other federations. However, there are serious allegations against them, suggesting that they prioritise their interests over the development of the sport.
