The recent shift in the political landscape has significantly impacted the nation's sports scene. The transfer window for the current domestic football season closes on 19 August, and Premier League clubs are struggling to participate in the league.
With just two days remaining until the transfer deadline, no club has officially notified the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) of their decision to abstain from the transfer. However, sources within the football community suggest that Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will not be participating this season. Although no official statement has been made by the club, an anonymous source has confirmed their withdrawal. This is surprising given Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club's history of producing many talented footballers.
The club, which has been involved in football since the 1980s, was renamed Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited in 2010. Despite initially being at a lower level, BFF President Kazi Salauddin allowed Sheikh Jamal to compete directly in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The club has since won multiple championships and runner-up titles in the Football League.
Reliable sources indicate that the club's name is under discussion once again. If so, an application must be submitted to the Joint Stock Exchange, followed by various procedures and formalities to obtain BFF's permission, which is not feasible by 19 August. The BFF requested FIFA to extend the transfer window, but the global football governing body declined, exacerbating the crisis.
There are also strong rumours that Sheikh Russell Sports Club may follow Sheikh Jamal's lead and withdraw from football. However, the federation has not yet received any official communication.
Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club was extensively vandalised. There are now doubts about whether the club, currently in crisis, will continue its involvement in cricket in the future.
National team defender Rahmat Mia, who was supposed to join Sheikh Russel from Abahani, said, "The day after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, some 20-25 players were kicked out of a Whatsapp group which was the main medium of communication among players, officials and coaches.
“Since then, we have no idea whether Sheikh Russel are going to play or not. No one from the club has officially communicated with us though some 20 to 25 players have signed contracts and have received token money ranging between Tk 5-10 lakh from the club,” he said.
Alamgir Mollah, another defender who was supposed to join Sheikh Russel from Abahani, said, "I'm really confused. They once said they will not play, but then they said they will play but haven't taken any visible steps. They are not acting professionally."
