Player selection must be based on merit, not politics: Rizvi

Player selection in sports must be based
on merit, not political identity, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and
political adviser to the prime minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said today (31
March).
He made the
remarks at a meeting with the newly elected board members of Mohammedan
Sporting Club.
He said athletes
should be evaluated based on talent, skills and performance, not political
affiliation.
"Those who have talent, can perform
well and are skilled must be given equal opportunities and placed in deserving
positions. An athlete should not be judged through a political lens instead of
their achievements," he said.
Alleging political
interference, Rizvi said the sports sector had suffered over the past 16 to 17
years.
"Believe it
or not, a renowned cricketer once contacted me expressing interest in
contesting elections from BNP. I advised him not to leave cricket, though I
welcomed his interest in politics. Later, he contested from another party and
became an MP," he said.
"He was
subjected to pressure and harassment in various ways. Attempts were made to
erase his international identity and sporting achievements—this should not
happen," he added.
Rizvi said athletes representing the country at the international level should
not be judged based on political identity.
"Whether a
cricketer, footballer or athlete, if they prove themselves internationally,
they must be evaluated on merit," he said.
He claimed that under
the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, an environment is being
created where divisions such as "my people" and "their
people" will not exist in sports, culture or other sectors, and merit will
be the basis for evaluation.
Referring to Mohammedan
Sporting Club, Rizvi said its legacy remains deeply rooted among people.
He expressed hope
that the club would regain its past glory and strengthen its position in the
country's sports arena.
















