The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The much-talked about election of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will be held today (Monday) with legendary footballer Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin and veteran sports organizer Maj Gen (retd) Amin Ahmed Chowdhury contesting for the hot seat of President.

Both the president candidates from two separate panels are optimistic about their victory and promised to run football for most of the period in a year.

The election will be held at the BFF Bhaban in Motijheel from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm without break, where the councilors will cast their votes for the 21 posts at stake.

A total of 112 councilors from districts, divisions, metropolis clubs, public universities, education boards and other associations will exercise their voting right to elect a president, one senior vice president, four vice-presidents and 15 executive members.

This time BFF election is going to be held under a new format - without traditional post of general secretary, deputy general secretary, assistant general secretary and treasurer - as per FIFA/AFC guideline.

Taking to the newsmen at the Sonali Otit Club Sunday afternoon, Amin Ahmed Chowdhury expressed his optimism to sweep the BFF poll, claiming that most of the councilors including that of DFAs had assured him of their support.

He urged the councilors to elect competent candidates, who are capable of serving the football to regain its past glory.

Replying to a query about the possible election of a mixed panel, Amin Chowdhury said that it would not be a problem at all. "I hope, the voters will elect the capable persons to serve the football throughout the year."

Talking to a group of sports reporters at the Youngmen's Club tent Sunday afternoon, Kazi Salahuddin was also highly optimistic about winning the election, saying "most of the councilors" already extended their support to him.

"I am a footballer, I understand the problems of football. I want to keep football on the ground for nearly ten months in the year," he said.

He added: "If elected, I am sure I will be able to develop the country's football up to a certain level."

Echoing his rival, Salauddin also said he would have no problem to work with a mixed panel.

Earlier, Registrar of Trade Marks and Patents M Mesbahuddin was appointed as the chief election commissioner of BFF, while Director of Passport and Immigration Department Mahfuzur Rahman Siddiqui and NSC Law Officer Kabirul Islam named election commissioners to run the election.