Ad hoc committee president Tamim confirms he will contest BCB elections

Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal confirmed on Tuesday that he will contest the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, shortly after being appointed president of the board’s ad hoc committee.

The 37-year-old chaired his first board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium after the National Sports Council dissolved the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led elected board earlier in the day over irregularities in the October elections last year. Tamim was subsequently appointed head of the ad hoc committee later in the day, alongside 10 other members.

Tamim had been vocal about the alleged irregularities and had termed the previous board illegal. He was initially in the race for the BCB directors’ elections but withdrew his nomination five days before the vote, citing concerns over irregularities and government interference.

“No, of course, we will definitely contest in the election. I may want to contest; [Rafiqul Islam] Babu bhai may want to contest, or he may choose not to,” Tamim said in a press briefing in Mirpur on Tuesday.

“But when there is a free and fair election, not just us, I would request everyone who is interested to take part.

“Because this is a board election, and everyone involved -- cricketers, organisers, everyone -- should participate.

“We want to ensure that we leave behind a properly conducted election and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable coming forward to contest.”

Tamim emphasised that restoring Bangladesh cricket’s damaged image would be his foremost priority.

“Look, we have been given a responsibility today. The first thing that comes to my mind is that whenever someone is given such responsibility, they talk about development or various plans. But personally, and as a team, we all feel that our first task must be to restore the reputation of Bangladesh cricket.

“Over the past one to one-and-a-half years, the reputation of Bangladesh cricket has been damaged, and fixing that is our top priority.”

He added that the committee’s immediate mandate was to ensure a credible electoral process within a short timeframe.

“We have been entrusted with the responsibility of helping ensure a free and fair election. Within three months, we will carry out this responsibility with as much honesty and efficiency as possible. At the same time, we will also take care of day-to-day matters -- there are ongoing issues, including the World Cup situation, as you know.”

Tamim also called for greater coordination in communication, urging media to rely on a designated spokesperson.

“One area where we need your help the most… journalists are very big stakeholders. We want to move away from individuals speaking separately and have appointed a single spokesperson.

“Anything related to the board, please contact him. That will be Tanjil [Chowdhury] bhai… If you approach different individuals, it may break our unity.”

He acknowledged the need for collective effort to repair the game’s standing.

“We need your support… none of us want cricket to remain where it has fallen now. We want cricket to once again be a source of pride.

“People who work at the BCB should be able to say proudly, ‘I work at the BCB.’ Right now, I’m not sure they can say that with pride… We have to bring that pride back.”