Sports bodies directed to submit annual performance reports

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque on Monday directed all national sports federations to submit detailed reports outlining their achievements and shortcomings over the past year.

The directive came during a marathon meeting between the minister and officials from more than 50 federations, which lasted nearly two and a half hours. Aminul listened to the federations’ concerns and challenges before issuing firm instructions aimed at improving governance and accountability.

“We have asked for a comprehensive evaluation of the past year — where we succeeded, where we failed, and what facilities or opportunities were lacking,” Aminul said.

“Alongside that, I want them to present an annual calendar within the next seven days in a fully transparent manner,” he added.

The minister also announced sweeping reforms to the election process in an effort to break long-standing stagnation in the sports sector and strengthen coordination between federations and district and divisional sports associations.

“We want to make the election process transparent and structured,” said Aminul.

“It will start from the sub-district level, move to district and divisional levels, and then conclude with the formal elections of the federations,” he added.

Aminul further revealed plans to introduce a structured salary system for national representatives, aiming to establish sport as a viable profession in Bangladesh.

“We want to introduce a salary structure for athletes who represent the country and dedicate themselves to bringing honour for Bangladesh,” he said. “I have asked all federations to submit a list of their players. After verification, the government will stand beside them,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) vice-chairman Faruque Ahmed said they expect to hold a similar meeting with Aminul in the coming days, though separate discussion between the BCB and the minister remain a possibility in order to ensure smoother implementation of action plans.

“Yes, we can meet individually. But what we have suggested is that if our action plans are aligned, it will be more convenient for us. Today’s meeting lasted about three hours, and I said that if all federations had raised their points, it might have continued for another four hours,” he said.