The decision was taken in the first meeting of the three-member election commission of BFF held at federation office on Saturday (Mar 21) with chief election commissioner Mesbah Uddin in the chair.

Talking to newsmen after the meeting, Chief Election Commissioner Mesbah Uddin said, “we are preparing ourselves to hold BFF election on schedule on April 20, and we have decided to announce election schedule on April 3, but prior to this, the BFF will provide us voter list”.

Regarding possibilities of election in a crucial situation of Coronavirus threat, Mesbah Uddin said, “we discussed the present crisis situation in the day’s meeting, but, BFF will have to decide what they want to do if situation worsens further, we do not like to interfere in this regard.”  

Mesbah Uddin successfully conducted last three BFF elections as the Chief Election Commissioner while the other two members of his commission are- Mahufuzur Rahman Siddique and Motaher Hossian Saju. All three are retired government officer.  

After the day’s meeting, BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag echoed his previous voice and said “We have taken all the preparations to hold the election on April 20, we are also maintaining a close touch with FIFA and AFC and updating them about the current situation of coronavirus. Only AFC and FIFA can shift the date.” he added.

Earlier on Thursday, two vice-presidents of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Badal Roy and Mohiuddin Ahmed Mohi asked to defer the BFF Election date on April 20 to avoid the transmission of coronavirus.

Badal Roy said “It will not be wise to arrange the BFF election in a crisis situation of corona virus and I would like to request to hold an emergency BFF meeting over the issue.”

Badal talked with BFF president Kazi Mohammad Salahddin over phone in front of the reporters last Thursday and requested him to change the date of BFF election.

But, Salahuddin informed him that the change of election schedule depends upon the approval of FIFA and AFC.

Another BFF vice president Mohi said, “Every district, some clubs and educational institutions are involved with the BFF election. Apparently, some 140 councilors and some candidates will participate in the election, but, actually near about thousand people are directly or indirectly involved in the election which will create a huge gathering posing greater risk to the public health.”

BFF seating president Kazi Salahuddin announced that he will fight for the president’s post again while his vice-president Badal Roy is also ready to challenge him.

Another well-known organiser Tarafder Mohammad Ruhul Amin earlier stepped down to compete for the hot seat of BFF president in the ensuing election, although he is reportedly to lead a panel.

Both Salahuddin and Tarafder are reportedly working to form their panel despite coronavirus threat.