Minhajul Abedin set for unopposed entry as BCB director from Chattogram
New Delhi, May 25
Former Bangladesh captain Minhajul Abedin is poised to become a Category 1 director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board after the Election Commission finalised the candidates' list on Monday, following the withdrawal deadline.
With Shariful Islam's nomination withdrawn, only Minhajul and Moin Uddin Chowdhury remain for the two director positions in the Chattogram division, making their unopposed election likely.
Minhajul, a veteran in Bangladesh cricket administration after his playing days, has held multiple roles within the BCB, including long-term positions as selector and chief selector. He is presently part of the BCB's ad-hoc committee.
"It's a great privilege to join BCB as a director but along with that my responsibility increased a lot. After retirement I joined the board and worked in different capacities and now will try to share those experiences in the board room. Since I am from Chattogram, I will try to revive Chattogram's cricket. Regional cricket first started in Chattogram and we will try to revive regional cricket again," Minhajul told Cricbuzz on Monday.
The Election Commission's final list confirms that most divisions in Category 1 have already declared unopposed candidates, with only a few regions holding elections. Khulna will have a three-way race for two seats, and Barishal will see a direct contest for one position. The elections are set for June 7.
In other divisions, results have been decided without the need for a vote. Representatives from Dhaka, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Rajshahi divisions have already been declared elected unopposed under Category 1. Additionally, Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir is also expected to enter unopposed under Category 3.
In the club category (Category 2), competition remains tight even after two withdrawals: Lutfur Rahman of Legends of Rupganj and Mahmudur Rahman of Old Dhaka Cricketers stepped out of the race. Sixteen candidates now remain in contention for 12 director positions.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has a total of 25 directors, including 12 elected from Dhaka clubs, 10 from regional and district councils, one representing institutions and former players, and two appointed by the National Sports Council. The elected members will choose the next BCB president. Since most positions have been filled unopposed, the upcoming election is likely to center on a few contested seats rather than a large, competitive race for the entire board.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Unopposed entry sounds a bit too smooth for my liking. 😒 In Indian cricket we see similar things with BCCI—where ex-players walk into admin roles without contest. At least the club category has some real competition with 16 candidates for 12 seats. That's where the actual democratic process is happening. Hope Minhajul uses his experience to actually improve domestic cricket structure.
Good to see a cricketer of his stature returning to administration. But I wonder—in India we've seen brilliant players like Ganguly become great administrators. Will Minhajul bring that same energy? He said he wants to revive Chattogram cricket. That's a big promise, considering how the port city has produced so many legends but still lacks world-class facilities. Let's see some action now, not just words!
The whole election process seems like a formality when most seats are already decided unopposed. Only Khulna and Barishal have actual elections? That doesn't sound like healthy democracy for cricket administration. But Minhajul has the credentials—he was part of the selection committee that built Bangladesh's golden generation. Just hope he doesn't become another 'yes man' in the boardroom. 🏏
As an Indian fan who watches a lot of Bangladesh cricket, this is good news. Minhajul was a shrewd cricketer and his work as chief selector was decent. The BCB needs people who understand modern cricket rather than just political appointees. Chattogram regional cricket revival is much needed—they have raw talent but lack proper coaching and facilities. Hopefully he delivers! 🙏
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