NSC bars national athletes from political campaigns
In a bold decision intended to save the soul of sports in Bangladesh, the National Sports Council (NSC) has issued a strict order preventing national team players from taking part in an election campaign or any other political programme. That is just in the run-up to the next national polls, when political interventions by significant sports figures were quite common.
Signed by NSCD Director Mohammad Aminul Ehsan, the directive stresses keeping a non-partisan image of national athletes. “National team players are national assets and symbols of unity, belonging to every member of the public. “Players should not be involved in political or electoral activity within the sports arena so that game operations aren’t impacted and distractions aren’t spread from what’s happening on the field,” she added.
Through two directives, the NSC challenges sports federations and athletes at various levels.
There are strict prohibitions on national players taking part, directly or indirectly, in political campaigns under the aegis of any party or candidate.
Athletes are also not allowed to take the stage at any election rally and should avoid participating in political promotions, such as image endorsements or public appearances.
The letter additionally warned that any breach could “seriously affect the healthy atmosphere of sports in the country”. It stressed that in the interest of national harmony, all concerned should abide by this understanding.
This instruction is significant because none of Bangladesh’s top sports personalities or sportspersons were visibly involved in campaigning during the last elections. Former national cricket captains Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan were also spotted campaigning and appearing in a political ad. National players were also seen lobbying for former BCB president Nazmul Hassan.
Athletes have long waded into political, social and cultural debates and become some of the loudest voices with their myriad platforms when they venture outside of boundaries, but this new NSC directive sends a clear message: when it comes to national players, they must stay symbols of unity that aren’t sullied by political bents.
Now, the spotlight will be on how this order affects what athletes can and should do in public life as they compete for their country.