Anti-Corruption Commission raids BCB's headquarters

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrived at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) headquarters to carry out an enforcement operation at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The three-member ACC team, led by Assistant Director Al Amin, launched the operation following specific complaints. After an hour and a half of inspections across various departments, Al Amin addressed the media, confirming that the commission is investigating three separate allegations.

According to a letter from the ACC headquarters, the operation was prompted by "allegations of irregular financial gain and other forms of corruption in the selection process of various cricket leagues under the Bangladesh Cricket Board."

Al Amin further revealed the two other allegations being investigated: discrepancies in ticket sale revenues from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and embezzlement of funds during the Mujib Centenary celebrations.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Third Division Qualifying League is being held again. The league saw a drastic reduction in participating teams after the entry fee was raised from Tk75,000 to Tk5 lakhs in the 2014-15 season.

This year, the fee was brought down to Tk1 lakh, and several conditions were relaxed-resulting in the participation of 60 teams. The ACC is looking into whether the previous hike in entry fees and the drop in team participation were influenced by individuals or decisions within the BCB.

"This year, 60 teams are participating, whereas previously there were only 2-4 teams," said Al Amin. "That points to possible restrictions or pressure in earlier editions. We've collected documents to examine whether there was any undue influence from individuals or the board."

On the matter of BPL ticket revenues, Al Amin pointed out irregularities. BCB President and BPL Governing Council Chairman had stated that Tk13.25 crore was earned from ticket sales in the latest edition - nearly matching the Tk15 crores total from the previous ten editions combined.

"In the past, tickets were sold through third-party contracts, with BCB receiving a share. In the last three to four seasons, BCB has been selling tickets directly," Al Amin explained. "This sudden surge in revenue-Tk13 crore 25 lakhs in one year compared to Tk15 crore over eight years-raises questions. We have collected the records and will examine them for inconsistencies."

The Mujib Centenary celebrations in 2020-21 are also under scrutiny. Mahmudul Hasan, another ACC Assistant Director, detailed further findings.

"A total of Tk25 crores was shown as expenses for the events, including concerts, but actual spending was closer to Tk7 crores. There are allegations of misappropriation involving around Tk 19 crore," he said. "We have also found that Tk2 crores from ticket sales was not recorded."

BCB Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, who was present throughout the raid, assured full cooperation.

"All relevant departments have been instructed to provide the necessary documents to the ACC. We are committed to maximum cooperation. As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage," he said.