Faruk-e-Azam for Depoliticizing Sports Organizations
Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam spoke at a discussion with the CJKS Club Association in Chattogram on Saturday. Photo: BSS
CHATTOGRAM, Sept 13, 2025 (BSS) – In a compelling call for reform, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam recently addressed the pressing need for a depoliticized approach in the management of sports organizations across Bangladesh. His remarks at a discussion with the CJKS Club Association underscore a growing concern regarding the intersection of politics and sports in the nation.
During his speech, Faruk-e-Azam emphatically advocated for an impartial and merit-based evaluation of sports organizers and athletes. He argued that performance, competence, and dedication should be the primary metrics for assessing individuals and organizations in sports, rather than their political affiliations. This shift is essential for nurturing true talent and ensuring that qualified individuals guide the future of sports in the country.
“For the sports sector to thrive, we must remove political biases and allow genuine talents and dedicated organizers to flourish,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where sports can thrive free of coercion and undue influence from political entities.
Financial sustainability was another critical point raised by Faruk-e-Azam. He alerted attendees to the necessity of continuing financial support for sports clubs, suggesting that their economic viability is crucial for organizing leagues and tournaments throughout the nation. Highlighting this, he shared plans under the interim government’s reform agenda to allocate grants to sports clubs through the government-approved Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund. This initiative aims to bolster infrastructure and support grassroots sporting initiatives, creating a more sustainable future for sports in Bangladesh.
The event, held under the aegis of the CJKS Club Association, offered a platform for stakeholders to voice concerns about the current state of sports facilities and institutional inertia. Advocates for these associations expressed urgency regarding the need for revitalizing sports grounds, lamenting the decline in the condition of facilities that inhibit athletic development.
Attendees at the meeting included notable figures such as City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Dainik Azadi Editor M. A. Malek, and several other dignitaries. They collectively emphasized the importance of expedient elections for district-level sports bodies, which have been delayed for some time. The sentiment was clear: without proactive governance and a renewed commitment to sports management, local sports in Chattogram and beyond could continue to languish.
Advocate Shaheen Aftabur Reza Chowdhury, President of the CJKS Club Association, chaired the meeting and echoed Faruk-e-Azam’s sentiments regarding the urgent need for a unified community effort to breathe new life into sports in the region. It became evident that collective action, coupled with improved governmental cooperation, could lay the groundwork for a revitalized sports culture.
In discussing the future of sports in Bangladesh, the emphasis on meritocracy over political affiliation serves not only as an urgent rallying call but also highlights a broader potential for change. As stakeholders advocate for a sports landscape characterized by authenticity and integrity, the hope is that young athletes and dedicated organizers will find paths to success that are truly reflective of their capabilities.