A group of Bangladesh national hockey players categorically demanded the resignation of Hockey Federation’s general secretary Khawja Rahmatullah at a press briefing held at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.
The players were "at war" against the federation in the last few days for the implementation of their three demand, thus boycotting the national camp. But in a surprising act they suddenly declared they are not interested to play hockey if Khawaja Rahmatullah remains as the general secretary of the federation. They also revealed that their stance would not change if Rahmat even wins the post of general secretary in the upcoming election.
The players were demanding a date of the players transfer, ban on forming the whole team with the BKSP players and the reduction of the number of foreign players in the league. However, now their demand seemed to go beyond the field as it is not confined to the game only.
Ace forward Russell Mahmud Jimmy elaborated their demands to the press. “We did not get the players transfer in a smooth way in the last ten years. So we are demanding a confirmed date. We asked the general secretary to provide the date on paper, but he refused to do so. We have found it controversial in many aspects as he never conveyed our demands to the federation or to the federation president. We demand his immediate resignation,” said Jimmy.
“He was active in dismantling the last elected committee. He was with us when we boycotted the camp demanding the transfer. Such a man is not suitable for the post of the general secretary,” said Jimmy.
Defender Asaduzzman Chandan said Rahmat did not give the pledged $15 allowance in the second round of the World Hockey League. “Though it was decided in the meeting that the allowance will be $15, he gave us $12,” said Chandan.
The players said they want to meet the president of the federation as Rahmat and Wing Commander Rafiul Islam have repeatedly turned down their request to arrange a meeting with the president.
When asked if the federation meets their three point demand in the next scheduled meeting on June 1st they said they would not change their stance. They said all the players are in the same platform.
Russell Khan Bappi, the president of the Hockey Players Welfare Association, national team members Pushkor Khisha Mimo, Iqbal Nadir Prince, Jahid Hossain, Sheikh Md. Nannu, former national player Ashiquzzaman and a number of players were present on the occasion.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
