The announcement came at a press conference at Mohammedan Sporting Club, led by councilor Masuduzzaman under the banner “Protest Against BCB Election Irregularities.” Representatives of several major clubs were present, with organizers claiming that 48 clubs back the demands.
The clubs are calling for either an extension of the current BCB board’s tenure to ensure a fair election, or for polls to be held under an ad-hoc committee. They also demanded cancellation of the existing schedule and announcement of a new one if required.
The dispute began after the High Court suspended councilorships of 15 third-division clubs. Subsequently, 16 candidates, including former national captain Tamim Iqbal, withdrew their nominations.
Masuduzzaman described the situation as “a staged drama,” adding that the clubs were speaking in the greater interest of cricket.
A press release distributed at the event warned: “If the blueprint for a controversial election is not scrapped, no clubs will participate in upcoming cricket.”
Former BCB directors Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan and Khaled Mahmud also attended the briefing. Meanwhile, Rajshahi candidate Hasibul Alam and Legends of Rupganj’s Lutfor Rahman announced their withdrawal from the polls.
The protesting clubs called for:
Extension of the tenure of the current BCB board to arrange a fair election, or the formation of an ad-hoc committee to conduct polls.
Cancellation of the existing election schedule if necessary and announcement of a fresh timetable.
