No contest in BHF polls

The Sajed-Munir panel, backed by Mohammedan and Mariner Youngs Club, yesterday pulled out of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) polls paving the way for the Khaza Rahmatullah panel, backed by Abahani and Usha KC to be elected unopposed.
Returning officer Syeda Arzuma Akhter told reporters that they would announce the final candidates' list and declare the winners today as there are only 28 candidates against as many posts. On the last day, Wednesday, of withdrawal, a total of 34 nominations were withdrawn.
This means Rahmatullah will get a four-year period to run the federation while Abdus Sadek, Sabbir Yousuf, Mirza Fiard Ahmed Milu, Abdur Rashid Shikdar and Mostaq Ali Mukul will act as vice-presidents. Anvir Adil and Mohammad Yousuf will be joint secretary while Kazi Moinuzzaman Pila will act as the treasurer.
However, it seems that Rahmatullah will have to pass a tough time after six premier league clubs, who backed the Sajed-Munir panel, decided not to take part in any kind of activities under the newly elected committee in future.
"On Tuesday, we met the BHF president [Air Marshal Enamul Bari] to seek his interference in stopping the propaganda and unethical practice ahead of the elections. We have not received any response as yet.
"Despite having the support of 44 councillors [out of 71], we are pulling out of the elections in protest of unethical, unlawful practices, use of power and muscle," read out general secretary candidate and chairman of Mohammedan hockey committee, Safiullah Al Munir, at a press conference at the Mohammedan Sporting Club premises yesterday.
The main objection of the Sajed-Munir panel was about the National Sports Council nominated five councillors, who are close to Abahani. However, they never approached the sports minister or put up any objections before the election commission on this issue.
Rahmatullah meanwhile refuted the allegations made by Munir. "The allegations they have brought against us are not proven. They did it in a bid to find a way out of the elections," said general secretary candidate Rahmatullah.
"I can't understand why they are mixing the election and sport. I must admit that every club has good contribution in hockey and I believe all the clubs will be coming forward in the greater interest of the game," said Rahmatullah, adding that they had taken an initiative to form a consensus panel but failed due to lack of assistance from the opposition panel.