By Neela Hasan

DHAKA, Nov 15, 2024 (BSS) - The Ministry of Youth and Sports has taken several pragmatic measures to make the sports arena free from corruption, flourish talent and develop infrastructure in the first 100 days of the present government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus.

With the well-thought-out leadership of Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud, some positive changes have been made in the field of sports during the 100-day period.

Bangladesh women's football team's achievement in the SAFF championship is considered the biggest success in sports, as Bangladesh beat Nepal by 2-1 to win the prestigious SAFF Women's Championship title for the second time in a row.

Following the triumph, the chief Adviser Dr Yunus accorded a warm reception to the winning team at his residence, State Guest House Jamuna here.

He also assured the women's team of promptly providing payment of the outstanding salaries of women footballers.

The solving of the salary issue of the team is under process.

Upon the arrival of the team from Nepal, the Sports Adviser announced a cash reward of Taka one crore for the team on behalf of his ministry on August 31. Captain Sabina and her team received the cheque of the aforesaid amount within 11 days reflecting fulfilling of the commitment.

On August 18, the sports adviser announced establishing the 'Bangladesh Sports Institute' to enhance the quality of players.

The institute will work on achieving excellence in the performance of Bangladeshi athletes at the national and international level, attaining overall success in sports, enhancing the physical and mental capabilities of athletes, and developing sports techniques and leadership.
 
On August 21, a seven-member committee was formed to formulate specific proposals, and a draft policy has already been presented by the committee.

Sports associations of all levels were dissolved within two weeks of the government's formation to keep the activities of sports organizations vibrant, accountable and transparent.
These associations were asked to form ad-hoc committees involving all eligible athletes and sports-related persons.

The ministry formed a five-member search committee to place compulsory reform proposals to the government for smooth functioning of the existing federations, associations, boards, and organizations.

Former national badminton champion Jobaydur Rahman Rana is one of the members of the committee.

Although there is a provision of holding elections for federations under the National Sports Council (NSC), no election was held in the past as government nominees were appointed to the highest posts of these federations.

On September 10, the ministry issued a notification to remove 42 presidents of sports federations and associations.

Besides, the president of Chess, Kabaddi and Bridge Federations were relieved from duty earlier.

The decision was taken in line with Section 22 of the NSC Act 2018, to reform the existing federations, associations, boards and institutions.

On September 11, the NSC removed its 16 officers and employees from various federations and associations following the NSC Act, as these officials and employees gratuitously grabbed positions in these entities.

The adviser held a meeting with sports journalists at the NSC on September 2 as part of the reform program after the political changeover.

He, during the meeting, urged journalists to focus on investigative reports to expose irregularities and corruption in the sports arena. He also urged them to practice objective journalism.

The Sports Council has suspended the release of funds to 32 federations and associations as these entities failed to submit audit reports within stipulated time.

Asif Mahmud also exchanged views with coaches, referees, organizers and players of various sports on September 27.

He sought cooperation and suggestions from all concerned to take the sports arena in the days to come.

There are allegations that some international venues remained in depilated condition during the previous government for lack of maintenance.

To inspect the condition, the Adviser visited those venues, including Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium and MA Aziz Stadium, and announced to renovate those sites.

After visiting the stadiums, Asif Mahmud wrote on his verified Facebook page: "Unfortunately, the last international match was played in MA Aziz Stadium 19 years ago, but no maintenance work has been done during the period, making the ground in poor condition."

On October 12 last, Advisor Asif at a reception announced to construct mini stadiums in various upazilas after the names of martyrs, who were killed during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Besides, Bangladesh whitewashed host Pakistan in the test, which is one of the biggest achievements in cricket in recent times.

The Chief Adviser also honored the cricket team for this extraordinary achievement.

The change of president of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Bangladesh Football Federation of the country and the election of BFF were notable events in the last three months.

Former BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon announced his resignation at the emergency board meeting held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports on August 21 last. After his resignation, former cricketer and selector 

Farque Ahmed was elected as the new president of BCB.

Tabith Awal was elected as the new president of BFF for the next four years on October 26, putting a full stop to the era of Kazi Md Salahuddin, who served as president of BFF for 16 years.

The government has a plan to build an international standard sports village with the necessary facilities for preparing international players and organizing sports competitions, along with promoting the country's sports to the global arena.