Bulu era begins at Mohammedan, Lokman returns as Director-in-Charge

The much talked-about election of Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited formally concluded without a single ballot being cast, as the newly-formed 17-member board of directors, led by veteran Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Barkat Ullah Bulu, officially took charge on Monday.

With all positions decided uncontested well ahead of the scheduled polls, the club's fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) turned into a stage for distributing crucial administrative portfolios, highlighted by the dramatic return of Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan to a familiar leadership role.

Held at the Samson H Chowdhury Centre of Dhaka Club, the AGM proceeded smoothly despite the absence of outgoing club president General (retd) Mohammad Abdul Mubeen due to illness.

In his stead, prominent director Mahbub Ul Anam presided over the session, steering the traditional Black-and-White outfit into its new administrative chapter.

Following the AGM, the election proceedings were ceremonially wrapped up by chief election commissioner Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal.

Alongside commission members Anwarul Haque Helal, Barrister Mohammad Ismail, and senior sports journalist Khondokar Monjurul Islam Dilu, he officially declared Bulu as the uncontested president, along with the 16 directors who faced no opposition at the ballot.

The real business of the day unfolded immediately afterwards when the newly minted board convened for its maiden meeting under Bulu’s chairmanship.

In an unanimous decision, the board reinstated Lokman as the director-in-charge of Administration. 

Lokman, who held the exact same vital position when Mohammedan originally transitioned into a limited company, makes a significant comeback to the club's apex body after a one-term hiatus.

The administrative reshuffle also saw veteran organiser Mahbub entrusted with the responsibilities of director of finance, while Md Mostakur Rahman was named director of sports.

Moving swiftly to secure its sporting wings, the board appointed Mostafa Kamal as the chairman of the football committee. He will be supported by three vice-chairmen: Md Abul Kalam, MA Salam, and Mirza Yasir Abbas.

For the club's other major disciplines, Masuduzzaman was handed the reins of the cricket committee as its chairman, while Sajed AA Adel took charge of the hockey committee.

Furthermore, Nilofar Chowdhury Moni was nominated as the chairman of the women’s wing, rounding out a comprehensive delegation of duties.

The 16 directors forming the core of this uncontested administration are Lokman, Mahbub, Mostafa, Mostakur, Masuduzzaman, Md Enayet Hossain Siraj, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Kalam, Abbas, Zahir Ahmed, Salam, Moni, Adel, Syed Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, Mahmud Hasan Khan, and Zakir Hossain Chowdhury.

With the boardroom maneuvering finally settled and responsibilities clearly drawn, the focus for Mohammedan now shifts strictly back to the field, as supporters hope this consensus-driven leadership can restore the historic club's sporting dominance.