Five former Abahani players were nominated as councillors by the National Sports Council in the Bangladesh Hockey Federation prompting a sharp
reaction among other clubs ahead of a key election.
Former Abahani player Khawaja Rahamatullah is a candidate for the general secretary post in the upcoming BHF election and he faces a strong challenge from Shafiullah Al Munir, a Mohammedan and Dhaka Mariner official.
The NSC nominated Abdus Sadek, Jumman Lusai, Mahbub Harun, Zaki Ahmed Ripon and Mamunur Rashid as its councillors, which Mohammedan and Mariner claimed can easily shift the balance to Abahani councillor Rahamatullah in an election that comprises of only 71 voters.
‘There are many players from other clubs who have played at the top level for a long period. But it is very unfortunate that the NSC chose the former players from only Abahani,’ said a disappointed Munir.
‘Now we ask, are Abahani the only club to have made a meaningful contribution in hockey, have Mohammedan not done anything? I think its clear discrimination,’ he said.
‘It is clear that they have taken the move to favour Rahamatullah,’ he added.
NSC sports director Haiul Quayyum said it was the decision of state minister for youth and sports Ahad Ali Sarker, who is also the chairman of the regulatory body.
‘The chairman (Ahad) has made the decision and we have no option but to adhere to it,’ said Quayyum. Sarker was not available for comments.
-With New Age input
