BCB’s donation of 2 crore taka to Shibir: For which cricket development exactly did Bulbul give this donation?

Staff Correspondent

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has transferred Tk 20 million to DUCSU to make the central playground of Dhaka University suitable for cricket. Although the transaction, dated February 10, 2026, is shown as an official donation, it is being seen in political circles as part of Aminul Islam Bulbul’s ‘settlement of liabilities for his relationship with the Jamaat-Shibir’.

According to long-standing rumors in the political arena, Aminul Islam Bulbul became BCB president under the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami. Many are calling the handing over of Tk 20 million to the party of DUCSU VP Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Sadiq Kayem as a means of paying off that ‘political debt’.

The conditions for the 2 crore taka grant were:

1. BCB will be able to use the field for at least 100 days during the annual cricket season.
2. DUCSU will upgrade the field to a suitable standard for cricket with the money.

This field, which has been unused for 13-14 years, was originally ready for football. Although it was supposed to be ready by March, about 90 days have passed. There is still no clear information on how ready the field is for cricket, how many divisional matches have been organized. A transparent report on the expenditure of money and progress has not been published. As a result, the question arises, is this real development or a reward for becoming president?

Allegations of misuse of BCB resources

Various reports have suggested that the BCB had a fixed deposit of around Tk 12 billion during the previous president’s tenure, the interest on which was used to finance the board’s expenses. Under the leadership of Aminul Islam Bulbul, there has been intense criticism in political and sports circles about the unreasonable expenditure made from this wealth for personal or political interests unrelated to cricket.

There are allegations that BCB funds were used in sectors not directly related to cricket development during Bulbul’s tenure. These allegations include lack of transparency, unprioritized spending, and decision-making based on political considerations.

Those concerned say that the initiative to bring back the long-unused central field of Dhaka University to cricket could have been positive. But the whole issue has become controversial due to allegations of political dealings, corruption and lack of transparency. The public expects both BCB and DUCSU to provide a quick and complete account, progress report and independent investigation. Otherwise, this ‘grant’ by BCB will not only be identified as a development of cricket, but also as a new example of political corruption.