More than a week has passed since the shameful act in the kabaddi court left the umpires and referees bloodied, but neither Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation nor the Bangladesh Olympic Association is yet to launch any formal investigation let alone punish the culprits. After the women’s final of the eighth Bangladesh Games kabaddi on April 24, the Bangladesh Ansar members attacked the match officials and left umpire Rafiqul Islam badly injured. The umpire required five stitches on his head and had to spend a day at a hospital.
Rafiqul iterated that he is still suffering from some pain and is fearful of his life as no action was taken against the perpetrators.
‘I was so fearful after the incident that I did not dare to go out of my home. I am yet to get rid of the bandage in my head and the wound on my back is yet to heal,’ said an emotional Rafiqul.
‘I am expecting a fair trial and justice from everybody and I personally want the accused Ansar members to be banned and suspended for a minimum of five years.’
Nazrul Islam, general secretary of the BKF emphasised that it would take some time to go through the incident and undergo some action.
‘We gave the responsibility of the inquiry to the referee and technical committee. As far as I know they have gone through the video footages on Wednesday,’ said Nazrul.
‘We were told that they (technical committee) will submit a report to the executive committee on Monday. We will take a decision after receiving the report,’ said Nazrul.
‘Our president (police chief Hassan Mahmood Khandker) also asked for the report along with the video footage of the incident. He is considering the gravity of the situation,’ added Nazrul.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Ansar confirmed that it also started a departmental inquiry regarding the incident.
A three-member committee has been formed to look into the matter and the responsible persons will be taken to task according to the law, informed Golam Kibria, director (sports) of the Bangladesh Ansar.
Badal Roy, chairman of the Games’ technical committee and deputy secretary general of the Bangladesh Olympic Association, vented his frustration regarding the slow progress of the investigation and also expressed his hope of a suitable punishment.
-With New Age input
