BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Monday alleged that the government has destroyed the country’s sports sector through politicisation.
“We see degradation and politicisation everywhere. Where’s now our football? Why can’t we improve our cricket? Every sports federation has been destroyed over the last 12 years through politicisation,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said the way the economy has been ‘destroyed’ and social justice and the rule of law have been ‘obliterated’, the same way the sports sector has been ruined. “You’ll find politicisation everywhere.”
BNP’s committee on sports to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the country’s independence arranged the programme titled ‘’Zia family in the sports arena of Bangladesh” at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, said the government has killed democracy and snatched people’s rights, freedom of speech and the freedom of the press in a fascist-style to cling to power by force.
He also alleged that Awami League is trying to cement the one-party Baksal role as the party did during 1972-75.
Speaking at the programme, BNP vice-chairman Hafizuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh football was in a good position several decades ago when players did not get much money.
He also recalled that there was a great tournament like Aga Khan Football Gold Cup in Bangladesh used to be held with the participation of national teams from different countries. “At that time club football was ‘so organised’ with wonderful sports organisations. The players also used to play very sincerely even though there was not much money.”
He said sports organisations now have huge money but they are failing to produce adequate good players.
The BNP leader said it is a matter of pride that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has a fixed deposit of Tk 900 crore.
”But how many players are there? There’re two players Shakib and Tamim. What’s the benefit of keeping Tk 900 crore in deposit? How many international quality players have you created? Are there any youth tournaments and youth camps? Where’re the rising players who will play in the national team after 5-6 years? Awami League is responsible for such a situation as they’ve politicised the sports arena,” he observed.
Source: United News of Bangladesh