Minister, APS, close associates’ inclusion in Carrom Federation sparks controversy

Formation of the ad hoc committee of the Bangladesh Carrom Federation has triggered widespread criticism and discontent in the country's sports community, with allegations of political influence, favouritism and a lack of transparency in the selection process.

The National Sports Council (NSC)-appointed committee has drawn particular criticism for appointing State Minister for Health Professor Dr MA Muhit’s Assistant Private Secretary (APS) Md Al Mamun as a vice-president. Same time, Mahiu-ddin Muhsin, reportedly a close associate of the minister from his home area, has also been given the post of general secretary.

State Minister for Health Professor Dr MA Muhit is in the top position in the new committee. Former federation officials have alleged that the minister used his influence to secure key positions for his personal associates. They further claimed that the minister, his APS and Muhsin have no previous experience as Carrom players or sports organisers.

Sports organisers familiar with the matter have questioned the rationale behind placing the minister and his close associates in key positions in the federation, arguing that the appointments appear to have been driven by personal connections rather than professional competence or experience.

A section of the country's sports community has also raised questions about the transparency of the committee formation process, alleging that the NSC's established guidelines were not properly followed, and that influential individuals and their preferred associates were accommodated at the expense of experienced sports organisers and former players.

According to NSC provisions, an ad hoc committee of a sports federation is generally required to arrange a free, fair and impartial election within three months of assuming office and hand over responsibilities to an elected full-fledged committee.

However, no visible initiative has so far been taken to organise an election for the Bangladesh Carrom Federation, despite the stipulated timeframe having elapsed, according to sports organisers. They fear that delaying the election could prolong the ad hoc committee's tenure and allow its members to continue exercising authority without an elected mandate.

Various sports organisations, former players and sports analysts have reportedly expressed strong reservations about the appointments. They believe that such decisions, if driven by personal interests and favouritism, could undermine the credibility of the federation and create further disorder in the country's sports administration.

The decision to accommodate the minister and his close associates in important positions has also raised questions about the neutrality and administrative transparency of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the NSC, potentially affecting public confidence in the government's commitment to reforming sports governance.

Sports stakeholders have long been demanding that national sports federations be kept free from political and other external influences and placed under the leadership of experienced organisers and qualified sports professionals.

They warn that appointing ministers, politically influential figures or their personal associates to key positions without relevant experience could undermine the development of grassroots carom, and discourage genuine and earnest sports organisers and players.

Against this backdrop, sports stakeholders are calling for an impartial review of the controversial ad hoc committee and the organisation of a credible election within the prescribed timeframe. They argue that handing over the federation's management to a democratically elected committee comprising competent and experienced sports organisers is essential to restoring confidence in its activities.
-    MKL/NS