Aminul urges Abahani to reclaim lost pride

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque visited Abahani in Dhanmondi today, reaffirming his commitment to keeping the country’s sports arena free from political influence and urging the club’s officials to reclaim their lost pride with proper management.

The visit marked the first by a government high-up since the club was vandalised by a group of miscreants on August 5, 2024 -- shortly after the ouster of the Awami League-led government -- when trophies were also looted.

Since then, Abahani have struggled to run sporting activities, particularly in football, due to the absence of several directors who had been key financial backers.

“Since independence, the rivalry between Abahani and Mohammedan has been an inseparable part of the country’s football and a symbol of its heritage. If these clubs are lost, the footballers will also be lost. I don’t want to talk about what happened in the last 17 years,” Aminul said after meeting Abahani directors, including Tanveer Mazharul Islam Tanna, Anjan Chowdhury Pintu, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed and Fahim Sinha. Mohammedan director-in-charge Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan and Tamim Iqbal, president of the BCB ad hoc committee, were also present.

“The current government does not wish to follow that path. Instead, it wants to ensure an environment where clubs can operate with complete independence,” added Aminul, a former national goalkeeper and an Abahani supporter.

He also urged organisers and players to maintain cordial relations off the field despite on-field rivalries, noting that the presence of Mohammedan officials during his visit was a shining example of sportsmanship.

Aminul further called on Abahani officials to revamp their management in a bid to restore past glories in football, cricket and other sports.

Over the past two seasons, financial constraints have worsened as several directors and sponsors withdrew support, fearing political labelling. According to a club source, Abahani officials urged the minister to ensure that sponsors and directors are not tagged with any political affiliation.

Later, Aminul was presented with an Abahani jersey bearing the number one, while current footballers welcomed him with flower wreaths.