Saturday | 11 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Saturday | 11 January 2025 | Epaper

Our sports sector must undergo drastic reforms

Published : Sunday, 13 October, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 425
MD Asadullah Al Mahmud
The sports sector in Bangladesh has been marred by years of mismanagement under a regime that saw athletics as little more than a political tool. Over the past 15 years, sports in the country suffered under the authoritarian Hasina government, which used sports as a vehicle for political influence, appointing loyalists and family members to leadership roles within sports federations and boards. This practice stalled the development of athletics, breeding a culture of corruption and cronyism. Under this regime, the nation witnessed little to no improvement in its sporting achievements. Instead of building a strong, professional sporting infrastructure, those in power prioritized personal and political gains. However, with the fall of the Hasina government after the people's revolution on August 5th, there is now a unique opportunity to rebuild and revitalize sports in Bangladesh.

One of the key figures in this new era is Asif Mahmud, a prominent student leader of the revolution and now an advisor to the Ministry of Sports. The people's hopes are high, as they expect this new leadership to eliminate the corruption and political favoritism that has long plagued sports. The new government's focus must be on creating a professional, transparent, and development-oriented environment where athletes, coaches, and organizers can thrive without political interference.

Bangladesh is a country of vast potential, with its young population brimming with talent. Yet, in the field of sports, we have fallen woefully short on the international stage. To address this, comprehensive institutional reforms are necessary. The first step is to replace corrupt officials with competent, dedicated leaders who have the vision and skills to promote sports. Those who previously served under the autocratic regime worked not for the betterment of sports but to advance their own interests. These individuals must be removed if we are to create an environment of meritocracy, free from political patronage.

Cricket, the most popular sport in the country, is a prime example of where reform is urgently needed. Cricket has become a passion and a source of national pride, but despite regular participation in the ICC World Cup, our achievements remain modest. The persistent problem of player shortages and positional weaknesses, exacerbated by mismanagement, has prevented us from achieving greater success. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has long been filled with individuals more interested in personal gain than the sport's development. It is time to appoint professionals who can elevate our cricket to the next level.

To strengthen our national cricket team, the player selection process must be made broader and more transparent. Currently, the selection pool is limited, often focusing solely on the Dhaka-based leagues, which prevents talented players from rural areas from getting the opportunities they deserve. The new administration should focus on scouting talent from across the country through a comprehensive talent identification program that spans national leagues, the Dhaka Premier League, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and various other divisions. A robust talent-hunting team should be deployed nationwide to identify promising players, nurture them, and prepare them for national duty.

Improving the professional stature of cricketers is equally important. Players across all divisions should be provided with adequate compensation and benefits so that cricket can become a viable professional career. This includes increasing salaries for local league players, thus providing more financial security and encouraging them to pursue the sport full-time. Moreover, infrastructure development, particularly upgrading stadiums across the country, is essential. Better facilities would allow players to hone their skills under various conditions, preparing them for international tournaments.

Football, once a beloved sport in Bangladesh, has fallen behind, both regionally and internationally. Our national football team continues to slip in the world rankings, largely due to the neglect of the sport's governing bodies. To revive football, a well-structured development plan must be put in place. Strengthening local leagues, such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL football), and finding young talent at the grassroots level are critical steps. Furthermore, the current leadership of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), tainted by allegations of corruption, needs to be replaced with capable professionals who can bring a fresh, strategic approach to the sport.

Another sport that holds significant historical and cultural value for Bangladesh is Kabaddi, our national game. Once internationally popular, Kabaddi has faded into obscurity over the past few decades. Given its roots in our tradition, revitalizing this sport should be a priority. This would not only boost national pride but also promote our cultural heritage on the global stage. The government should launch a targeted development project for Kabaddi, focusing on training players, providing adequate resources, and organizing international-level competitions. Such efforts would reignite interest in the sport and position Bangladesh as a global hub for Kabaddi.

Bangladesh's performance in the Olympics and other major international competitions has been minimal, with few athletes even qualifying for many events. To change this, each sports federation must be purged of corruption and reorganized to focus on talent development. Adequate training, financial support, and facilities must be provided to athletes, allowing them to compete at the highest levels. Establishing sports academies nationwide, particularly in underdeveloped regions, would give young athletes a platform to excel.

Another challenge facing the sports sector in Bangladesh is the societal perception of sports as a career. Many parents are reluctant to support their children in pursuing athletics professionally due to the lack of financial stability and social recognition that often comes with a sporting career. This needs to change. The environment surrounding sports must be restructured so that athletes feel secure in choosing sports as a profession. The private sector could play a pivotal role by establishing academies, clubs, and coaching centers where promising athletes can receive the training and mentorship they need. Additionally, the government must provide long-term financial security to athletes through competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits, ensuring that a career in sports is both financially and socially rewarding.

Public perceptions would also shift if parents saw that their children could achieve a respectable and secure life through sports. Government initiatives to increase player wages, provide healthcare benefits, and offer retirement plans for athletes would go a long way in attracting new talent to the sector. If players are confident that their livelihoods are secured, they will be more likely to dedicate themselves fully to the profession. 

Sports journalism in Bangladesh is overly focused on cricket and football, often neglecting other sports. This lack of coverage prevents many athletes and sports from receiving the recognition they deserve. To promote the overall development of sports, the media must play an active role in highlighting all forms of athletic achievement. Journalists need to shift their focus to include a wider range of sports, giving them the visibility they need to grow and succeed on the national and international stage.

In conclusion, professional management, a corruption-free environment, and institutional reforms are critical to the future of sports in Bangladesh. Athletes must be provided with adequate training, financial support, and infrastructure if they are to excel on the global stage. With collaboration between the government and the private sector, sports academies and professional clubs can be established, offering athletes the opportunity to develop their skills and make a career out of sports. Only then can Bangladesh make its mark on the world stage and realize its potential as a sporting nation.

The writer is an Entrepreneur


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