The twists and turns in the Bangladesh Hockey Federation election saw an anticlimax when the Sajed-Munir panel, backed by Mohammedan and Mariner Youngs Club,
pulled out of the race on Wednesday.
It paved the way for the rival panel, led by incumbent general secretary Khaza Rahmatullah and backed by Abahani and Usha, to be elected unopposed.
Returning officer Syeda Arzuma Akhter said that they will announce the final candidates’ list and declare the winners today as there are only 28 candidates against as many posts.
On the last day (Wednesday) of withdrawal, a total of 34 candidates withdrew their candidatures, including the whole panel led by Mohammedan councillor Sajed Adel and Mariner councillor Shafiullah Al Munir.
It ensured a four-year term for Khaza Rahmatullah, who will run the federation in association with Abdus Sadek, Sabbir Yusuf, Mirza Fiard Ahmed Milu, Abdur Rashid Shikdar and Mostaq Ali Mukul, who all are set to become vice-presidents.
Anvir Adil and Mohammad Yousuf will be joint secretaries while veteran organiser Kazi Moinuzzaman Pila will act as treasurer.
It, however, appears that Rahmatullah will have tough time in the chair after six premier league clubs, who all had their support for Sajed-Munir panel, decided not to take part in any kind of activities under the newly-elected committee.
‘We met the BHF president (Air Marshal Enamul Bari) on Tuesday to seek his interference to stop the
propaganda and unethical practice ahead of the election but till today (Wednesday) afternoon we did not get any response from him,’ Shafiullah Al Munir said in a statement at a press conference.
‘Though we had the support of 44 councillors (out of 71), we had to pull out because of unethical, unlawful practices, use of power and muscles,’ said Munir, who is also the chairman of Mohammedan Hockey Committee.
-With New Age input
