This election has become a black mark for Bangladesh Cricket Board,” said Tamim Iqbal, pointing at the BCB and its advisers.
Wearing a light-brown panjabi, Tamim walked towards the dais and remarked, “I thought I would wear this panjabi on election day….” His face carried a smile, but behind it was a cloud of frustration and anger. That storm soon broke out as he accused the authorities of staging a rigged election, calling it a permanent stain on the BCB.
As a councillor from Old DOHS Club, Tamim had collected nomination papers to contest for a director’s post in the BCB. But on Wednesday, the final day for withdrawal, he pulled out of the race.
At least 15 others also withdrew, citing allegations of government interference.
Facing the media later, Tamim explained his decision.
“The reason for withdrawal is very clear. I don’t think I need to give much detail or explanation. From the very beginning I’ve been saying, it’s obvious where this election is heading, how it’s being conducted. Things are happening as and when they want. This… this is not really an election. It has no place in cricket.
“When the Election Commission publishes the list of withdrawals, you will see that most of those names are heavyweight figures with strong vote banks. This was our way of protesting—that we cannot be part of such filth. Many things have been said at different times, but in the end, it is clear we cannot in any way be part of this corruption.”
According to Tamim, even more candidates wanted to withdraw but were pressured to remain.
“**One thing I always say: cricket, Bangladesh cricket, does not deserve this. Neither do the fans. I don’t know how many will admit it, but many more wanted to pull out today. They were stopped in different ways—persuasion, pressure, or threats.
“Even then, if 15 people have withdrawn today, that is a significant number. Nearly 50 percent have walked away.”
To Tamim, this staged election was a defeat for the sport itself.
“In elections, you may win or lose, but today cricket has lost a hundred percent. There is no doubt about it. You say loudly that match-fixing must stop in Bangladesh. First stop election-fixing, then think about fixing in cricket.”
Tamim has repeatedly alleged in recent weeks that a section of the BCB was trying to manipulate the election. While he did not go into details this time, he hinted that he would speak more openly in the future.
“**I think it is already very clear to everyone who was involved, what kind of interference happened, and how rules were changed whenever it suited them. Who was linked—it’s all very clear. I won’t say more now, but I will definitely talk about this later.
“This election has become a black mark for the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Even those participating in it surely know that in no way was this a real election. From my side, I have nothing more to add.”
