Ex-national footballer Aminul Haque, who represents the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, demanded reform in all sports governing bodies amid the new wave of political changes in the country.
During an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune Saturday, the former star goalkeeper talked about necessary changes in football and other sports. Here are the excerpts.
What changes do you want?
Everywhere in sports, say any federation, Sports Council (NSC), Olympics (Bangladesh Olympic Association), they were all politicized during Sheikh Hasina’s time. The sports organizers were removed and deprived while the party men were given responsibilities. We want reform in the cricket board, football federation, and other sports organizations. We want the resignation of those who came into sports through political party. We want to do it by maintaining the rules of International Cricket Council or FIFA. There were neutral organizers too, we also want to keep them. We want neutral people in sports. We want politics-free sports. We are working on it.
What is your take on Nazmul Hasan’s decision to resign as BCB president?
There is a wave of change in the country. If he (Nazmul) or other directors resign, it would be up to the rules of cricket board and ICC. Maintaining those rules, an ad-hoc committee can be formed; the sports adviser can give a decision after sitting with everyone. I want to see it happen in a normal way.
Who do you want as replacements?
This is not about what I want. Instead it should be who is suitable after discussion and who can work neutrally.
Abahani club was vandalized and all of their trophies were stolen...
It’s very disgusting. I strongly condemned it. What happened is that there are some new BNP men who are creating such problems. They are causing problems for us too. We have some evidence about such occurrences, like people doing such things in the name of the party but they are not related to BNP.
You were a well-renowned goalkeeper. What changes do you want in football?
In all sports in Bangladesh, reform is urgent. A to Z, this arena is political. Whole reformation is not possible but we will try our best. We want them to resign on their own wish so that there is no barrier of FIFA. We want to discuss with them along with sports adviser so that we move ahead in positive frame of mind.
