The Bangladesh Cricket Board took a major decision at its 17th board meeting to cease all operations of the Constitutional Reform Committee. The meeting was held at the country’s iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

The Constitutional Reform Commission has come under scrutiny after proposing some sweeping changes to the board’s charter. The committee is headed by BCB director Nazmul Abedin.

A few days ago, Dhaka Club organizers threatened to boycott the new constitutional reforms. Four days later, they even boycotted domestic A-level cricket matches, putting the livelihoods of several local cricketers at risk.

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Operations of Constitutional Reform Commission halted by BCB

The BCB formed a five-member committee on constitutional reforms, headed by Nazmul Abedin. Saiful Islam, personal secretary to the National Sports Council chairman, became the member secretary of the committee.

The other three members of the committee are Board Legal Advisor Kamruzzaman, Supreme Court Advocate Shyikh Mahdi and AKM Azad Hossain. However, the committee’s work has currently been suspended by the board.

The committee made some bold recommendations, including disbanding the CCDM and significantly reducing the number of Category II MPs in the General Council.

In another reform, the committee asked to reduce the number of directors representing Dhaka clubs from 12 to four. The reform met with strong opposition from Dhaka club organizers, who called for a boycott.

Under the proposed changes, the total number of directors will be reduced from 25 to 21. As a result, various clubs made the decision to boycott the league. This prompted BCB to take a quick decision. If the league is postponed, the future of around 1500-2000 cricketers will be at risk.

BCB director speaks on suspension

BCB director Mhabub Anam said transparency was needed in the proceedings of the Constitutional Reform Commission. He also mentioned that some changes in the committee are necessary and involve more stakeholders.

“They (the reform committee) did not submit anything to the board or the National Security Council. The board felt that the (committee’s) process should be more transparent because the constitution cannot have anything secret. “

“This is public information that will be made public. We believe their activities need to be suspended and ongoing discussions should be stopped,” board director Mahbub Anam said after the meeting.

“Similarly, the Board believes that changes to the committee and its expansion are necessary because stakeholder engagement is important. In light of this, these decisions have been taken.”

“We will announce the scope of the committee’s work before implementing any changes and expansion decisions. We have decided to suspend the activities of the Constitutional Reform Committee,” he added.

The BCB announced the formation of a standing committee and hinted at the possibility of snap elections. No. There is a vacancy on the Board of Directors, headed by Board Chairman Farooq Ahmed.

Ahmed took over the post after former BCB chief Nazmul Hassan left the country after the ruling Awami League government was deposed. Nazmul Hassan has not returned to the country since then.