Dhaka, Apr 22 (V7N): Bangladesh’s Taekwondo sector, long regarded as a source of sporting success, is now facing serious allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power, raising concerns over the future of promising athletes, including gold medalist Lubaba Binte Amjad.
 
Investigations and testimonies from insiders suggest that internal conflicts within the Bangladesh Taekwondo Federation, coupled with vested interests, have created a hostile environment that threatens the career of the young athlete. Allegations include organized smear campaigns, financial irregularities, and psychological harassment aimed at sidelining her from competitive opportunities.
 
Sources claim that during preparation camps for the South Asian Games, approximately 6,000 taka was deducted from each athlete’s monthly allowance. Despite complaints raised through coaching staff to federation officials, including Secretary General Ershadul Haque and Hasanuzzaman Babul, no corrective action was reportedly taken. Additional allegations point to irregularities in procurement of sports equipment, including track suits allocated for athletes.
 
The situation escalated after a Bangladesh Army athlete, Dipu Chakma, was reportedly expelled without due process after protesting these issues. Several athletes subsequently left the training camp in protest, further deepening the crisis.
 
There are also claims that the Bangladesh Army Taekwondo team was excluded from the national championship to ensure victory for another institutional team. Ahead of the tournament, eight top athletes, including Dipu Chakma, were allegedly removed, prompting the Army team to boycott the event. The championship was later held without their participation, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
 
Amid this controversy, Lubaba Binte Amjad has reportedly been targeted over administrative discrepancies. Despite securing a gold medal at a national taekwondo championship and ranking fourth in merit for university admission under the sports quota, her credentials have been questioned. Sources indicate that errors in her original competition certificate—later corrected and verified by the federation—are now being used against her by a newly formed ad hoc committee, creating complications in her academic admission process.
 
Observers have raised concerns over whether administrative changes within a federation can invalidate previously recognized competitions and certified documents. Critics argue that such actions undermine institutional credibility and athlete confidence.
 
The crisis has intensified following a recent investigative report highlighting financial irregularities involving athletes from other institutional teams. Sports analysts and stakeholders warn that targeting an emerging female athlete in this manner sets a troubling precedent and could discourage future talent.
 
Attempts to contact those accused of wrongdoing were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to calls. Members of the sports community are now calling for urgent intervention by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, including an independent inquiry to address the allegations and restore transparency and fairness in the country’s Taekwondo governance.
 
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