Koly pleads innocent after one-year ban for unruly conduct

Bangladesh’s leading female shooter Kamrun Nahar Koly has been banned from the sport for one year by the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation (BSSF) over alleged violations of the training camp’s code of conduct. The ban was confirmed following an executive committee meeting on 2 February. Koly had been under temporary suspension since early January.

In its official letter, the federation accused Koly of “extremely indecent, insulting, threatening, and aggressive behaviour” towards officials, including the general secretary and executive committee members, during an incident at the federation office on 25 January. The letter claimed her actions undermined discipline, security, and the federation’s reputation.

Koly strongly rejected the allegations. 

“Whatever they mentioned in the letter is not true. I did not act indecently or threaten anyone. I went to speak with the officials and left with regret. My intention was only to address my temporary suspension,” she told Daily Sun on Tuesday.

She also criticised the current committee for mismanagement. “In the past six months, they have done nothing for the sport—no training programmes, no national or international competitions properly arranged. For the recent Asian Championship, only one shooter was sent abroad, which reflects their failure,” Koly said.

Her outspoken stance against corruption and sexual harassment within the federation appears to have triggered the disciplinary action. “This ban is clearly retaliatory. The letter was timed just before elections, possibly to minimise public attention. I have raised valid complaints, yet I am being punished for it,” she added.

Despite the ban, Koly remains hopeful about a return. 

“There are major events this year—Olympic qualifiers, World Cups, Asian Games. Whether this ban remains or is revoked will depend on the fairness of upcoming elections and the new administration. I will appeal after a new government forms,” she concluded.