NN Online:
When Aminul Islam Bulbul stepped up for his first press conference as the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), he likely anticipated a few routine questions. What followed, however, was a barrage of tough, pointed queries—many coming from the very individuals flanking him at the table.
Only nine months earlier, Faruque Ahmed sat in that same seat, at the same podium, with the same men by his side. Today, he’s out—pushed aside by the very allies who once championed his leadership. Accused of poor leadership and stripped of support, Faruque resigned before completing even a year.
Aminul’s appointment followed the same route, supported by the same long-serving BCB directors—figures like Mahbub Anam, Akram Khan, Kazi Inam Ahmed, Fahim Sinha, and Iftekhar Rahman. Many of them held prominent roles under Nazmul Hassan’s extended presidency, maintaining influence despite years of internal controversies and public criticism.
Eight of these directors signed a letter of no confidence that ultimately led to Faruque’s removal. Ironically, the very allegations they leveled against him have shadowed their own tenures. None protested during Nazmul’s leadership when similar issues arose.
Given this context, skepticism over Aminul’s prospects is understandable. Will he face the same fate as Faruque? That concern echoed through the press conference, where reporters didn’t hold back:
“How will you work with the same people who undermined your predecessor?”
“You’ve criticized this system before. Now, you’re part of it. How do you reconcile that?”
“Can you reform a board where power blocs remain untouched?”
To his credit, Aminul remained composed. He emphasized teamwork, humility, and honest intentions. “We’re a team. I’m new to this, but I want to use everyone’s experience to move forward,” he said.
Long an outspoken critic from outside the system, Aminul vowed to maintain that integrity within. “Cricket made me who I am. I’ve never compromised with it, and I won’t now. This isn’t just a role—it’s a responsibility.”
He concluded with a metaphor: “A bowler can’t win a match alone. He needs a team. I’ll work to bring that unity.”
Only time will tell if Aminul’s ideals can survive the boardroom dynamics that claimed his predecessor.
