New State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has taken charge after nearly one and a half years of interim administration -- a period during which promised reforms in the sports sector largely failed to materialise under former youth and sports adviser Asif Mahmud.
Although the interim leadership pledged transparency and structural change, many federations remained inactive. In several cases, ad hoc committees replaced elected bodies without clear long-term direction, making the overall governance environment increasingly uncertain.
The sports sector -- particularly the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) -- now reflects the consequences of inconsistent decision-making. Leadership changes, governance disputes, and questions over election processes have created instability at a time when stability was most needed.
Under the interim administration: where problems emerged
Reforms were announced, but little materialised in practice.
A search committee reportedly worked for months and recommended reforms for more than 50 federations. Before those proposals were taken forward, however, another committee was formed to draft a model constitution, creating overlap and confusion.
Elections were scheduled before reforms were finalised, raising concerns about consistency and long-term planning.
Following the political change on August 5, 2024, many federation presidents were removed or replaced, while some general secretaries became inactive -- leaving organisations struggling to function effectively. As a result, a large number of federations operated under ad hoc arrangements, limiting their ability to conduct regular activities.
BCB: the most visible example of instability
BCB became the clearest example of administrative turbulence. Its elections faced criticism, boycotts and allegations of outside influence. Leadership transitions -- from Faruque Ahmed to Aminul Islam Bulbul -- added to uncertainty, generating more disruption than stability.
Moreover, governance disputes affected club participation and domestic competitions. Meanwhile, questions surrounding the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and broader cricket administration further eroded public confidence.
As cricket remains the country’s most popular sport, these developments came to symbolise wider governance challenges across the sports sector.
Immediate priorities for Aminul Haque
For Aminul, the priorities are clear: restore stability in BCB governance while avoiding legal or ICC-related complications; improve transparency and strengthen decision-making processes; rebuild trust with clubs, players and other stakeholders; move from ad hoc control towards accountable, elected leadership; and reactivate district sports associations and revive grassroots competitions nationwide.
The bigger picture
The interim period leaves behind a sports system grappling with uncertainty and administrative fatigue. BCB stands as the clearest example of how instability at the top can stall sporting progress.
Before moving toward long-desired constitutional and structural reforms, the former national football team captain must first address the immediate dysfunctions that have stalled the system -- and restore basic stability across the country’s sports landscape.
