‘Constitutional coup’: Bulbul denies election irregularities

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul has termed the National Sports Council’s (NSC) decision to dissolve the elected board and install an ad hoc committee as a “constitutional coup”, while categorically denying allegations of irregularities in the October 6, 2025 elections.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, Bulbul rejected the probe report, calling it a “defective, whimsical and legally untenable document” with no standing under the BCB constitution or law, while also stating that "Aminul Islam Bulbul remains the only legitimate President of the BCB until the High Court rules otherwise."

He denied any claims of corruption, manipulation, or abuse of power in the elections, stating that the process was conducted transparently by a three-member election commission formed on September 6, 2025.

According to the statement, the commission comprised Supreme Court advocate Mohammod Hossain as chief election commissioner, CID chief Sibgat Ullah as commissioner, and the executive director of the NSC as another commissioner.

Bulbul said objections, including those regarding 15 clubs and the councillorship of Tamim Iqbal, were resolved through quasi-judicial hearings on September 24 and 25 before the election was held as scheduled on October 6.

He also questioned the legitimacy of the NSC probe, claiming the council has no jurisdiction to investigate a concluded electoral process of an autonomous body like the BCB.

The statement described the probe as a politically motivated action and said it violated the principles of independence for cricket boards.

Terming the formation of the ad hoc committee, led by Tamim, as illegal, Bulbul said it was “ultra vires” of the BCB constitution and in direct violation of ICC rules on government interference.

“The ‘Ad-hoc Committee’ is a sham entity,” the statement read, adding that the board does not recognise its authority.

Bulbul also warned that such actions could undermine the image of Bangladesh cricket globally and create uncertainty over governance, investment and hosting rights.

The statement further expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing instability on player development, particularly at the youth level.

Bulbul called on the ICC to intervene immediately and reiterated that he remains the legitimate president of the BCB until the High Court rules otherwise.

The statement came after the NSC dissolved the Bulbul-led board earlier in the day, citing irregularities in the 2025 elections, and appointed an 11-member ad hoc committee led by Tamim with a three-month mandate to oversee operations and organise fresh polls.