The names of the councillors were submitted to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Tuesday. Due to objections regarding several delegates, a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at the BFF to resolve these issues. It will be determined on Thursday who will be eligible to vote in the BFF election on October 26.
Candidates are continuing their campaigns despite these proceedings. The prospects for Tarafdar Ruhul Amin, who was announced as a presidential candidate, appear to be diminishing. Particularly after Tabith Awal officially declared his candidacy, Tarafdar has become notably silent. Although he has refrained from speaking to the media, the sports organiser has been seeking a compromise.
This has turned the federation's election into something of a drama. According to several sources, one faction is attempting to mediate given the circumstances, maintaining regular contact with both Tabith and Tarafdar.
It has emerged that Tarafdar's son, Ruhul Saif, will stand for the position of vice president in the BFF election, aligning himself with Tabith Awal's panel. Ruhul Saif commented, "I have also heard about it, but no one has contacted me yet."
Tarafdar decided to enter the election after receiving support from the BNP, following Kazi Salahuddin's announcement that he would not participate in the upcoming election as president due to political changes.
However, when Tabith decided to run for the same position, the BNP split into two factions. Over time, those BNP leaders who initially supported Tarafdar became silent, as it was not feasible to support another candidate outside the party's decision.
Tabith, having received the green light from the BNP High Command, is now seeking a running mate.
It is understood that the current vice president of the BFF, Imrul Hasan, will be elected as senior vice president.
Tabith Awal is also looking for corporate personalities to fill the vice president roles. He has already met with leaders from several corporate organisations. However, due to the murky politics of football, many are reluctant to join the BFF, despite their interest.
Ruhul Amin, who has invested over a hundred crore taka in football in recent years, is well-regarded within the sports community. Nevertheless, due to political polarisation and business interests, Tarafdar is proceeding cautiously.
He has already secured a councillor position from Chattogram Abahani, and his son, Ruhul Saif, is a strong contender for the vice-presidency of the country's football governing body. While assembling his panel, Tabith has encountered further challenges with the four vice president positions.
Sources indicate that Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, a current executive committee member, may be elected as vice president.
Additionally, the names of Satyajit Das Rupu and Aminul Islam Babu are also being discussed.
There were rumours about BNP leader Abdus Salam running for vice president, but Salam has stated that he will not contest the election, though he will remain involved in football.
Ultimately, if a compromise is reached with Tabith, Tarafdar prefers to proceed without Kiron. A source close to him mentioned that they do not wish to see Mahfuza Akhtar Kiron in the federation.
