ASM Ali Kabir, the long serving President of Bangladesh Athletics Federation and former secretary, passed away at Evercare  Hospital in the capital Monday night. He was 70. Freedom fighter ASM Ali Kabir, also the chairman of the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), breathed his last at 11.50 pm on Monday at the hospital while undergoing treatment there for about one month. Ali, also national sports award winner, left behind wife, two daughters and a  host of relatives and admirers to mourn his death. READ: RU Professor Faruk Hossain passes away His namaj-e-janaza was held at Baitul Aman Masjid at Dhanmondi after Zohr prayers and later he was buried with state honour at Mirpur Intellectual Graveyard.  State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell MP expressed shock at the death of ASM Ali Kabir.        Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also expressed their deep shock at his demise. READ: AL leader Joynal Hazari of Feni passes away The BCB also conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family of the veteran sports personality and recalled with gratitude his support for the game of cricket. Besides, Bangladesh Football Federation, Bangladesh Olympic Association, Bangladesh Women’s Sports Federation, Bangladesh Basketball Federation condoled the death of Ali Kabir.

The Bangladesh Athletics Federation has chosen the country's famed athlete Mohammad Jahir Raihan to compete in the 400-metre run in the athletics event at Tokyo Olympics – slated to be held during July 23-August 8. The selection committee of the Athletics Federation chose the country record holder Navy athlete Jahir from the shortlist of three, considering his performance at the local and international events. The two other short-listed athletes were Shirin Akhter (100-metre sprint) and Mohammad Ismail (100 -metre sprint). Earlier, the country's celebrated archer Ruman Shana became the first Bangladeshi athlete to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Later, two Bangladeshi swimmers – Ariful Islam and Junaiyana Ahmed – earned wild cards to compete in the Olympics. Preparations for the Games are progressing under tight Covid-19 protocols.