BCB president alleges threats, seeks govt protection

With the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections scheduled for October 4, tensions are mounting as current BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul has alleged receiving threats intended to pressure him into withdrawing from the race.

In response, the BCB has formally requested government security for Bulbul, including the appointment of a gunman.

A letter, signed by BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury and sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday (September 4), emphasized the need to ensure Bulbul’s safety amid the upcoming BCB Governing Council elections.

While the letter did not directly mention any threats, it called for security measures to safeguard the president’s regular domestic travel and daily activities related to board operations.

“The security of the Board President is crucial ahead of the 2025 BCB elections,” the letter stated. “Considering his travel across the country, deployment of a government gunman is necessary to handle any potential threats or unwanted situations.”

However, in an interview with a private television channel, Bulbul confirmed he had received threatening phone calls in recent days from unknown numbers. “Someone called and said, ‘Isn’t it better if you don’t contest the election?’” Bulbul told the outlet. “They warned that the security situation could be serious. I’m feeling genuinely threatened.”

The BCB elections have gained national attention, with former national captain Tamim Iqbal and former president Faruk Ahmed also announcing their candidacies. As the election date nears, calls for transparency and fairness are growing louder within the cricketing community.

Authorities have yet to respond publicly to the request for additional security.