DHAKA, June 7, 2026 (BSS) - Newly elected Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Tamim Iqbal has pledged to prioritise unity, transparency and long-term planning as he sets out an ambitious development agenda for Bangladesh cricket over the next four years.

Speaking to the media shortly after his election at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today, the former Bangladesh captain said his focus would be on delivering sustainable progress rather than short-term achievements.

"For me, it is not about any special status or feeling of becoming something big. It is a huge responsibility," Tamim said. "I want to do something in the next four years that will bring long-term benefits to Bangladesh cricket."

He said he had carried ideas for the development of Bangladesh cricket for many years and now had the opportunity to implement them.

Tamim emphasised collective responsibility within the board, noting that personal familiarity among directors was not a priority as long as they shared a common vision.

"I have said before and I am saying it again today - this is my first encounter with many of those who have been elected," he said. "However, personal acquaintance or familiarity is not important to me. If the intention of our 25 directors is right and we can work towards the same goal, that will be the biggest strength of Bangladesh cricket."

The new BCB chief acknowledged that Bangladesh cricket had faced a challenging period over the past one and a half to two years, saying coordinated efforts were needed to restore its reputation internationally.

"The international image of Bangladesh cricket has been damaged in the last one and a half years. I cannot fix this alone," he said. "The media, the board, the cricketers and everyone involved must work together."

On governance, Tamim promised greater transparency and welcomed constructive criticism from stakeholders, including the media.

"If we make mistakes, you will criticise us - that is your right," he said. "Constructive criticism will help us correct our mistakes and improve."

Addressing the board's leadership structure, Tamim explained the decision to operate with a single vice-president despite constitutional provisions allowing two, citing concerns over potential misunderstandings and internal competition. He added that a second vice-president could be considered in the future if needed.

A key priority for his tenure, he said, would be the establishment of a modern High Performance Centre in Purbachal, describing it as his "biggest dream." He noted that while a design had already been prepared, he was not fully satisfied with it and had initiated a review to ensure a more modern and effective facility.

Tamim said the project would require significant funding, adding that initial discussions with the Finance Ministry had been positive.

He also said any amendments to the BCB constitution would only be pursued after consultation and broad agreement among directors and councillors.

Regarding the use of electronic voting, Tamim clarified that his concerns were not with the system itself but with the possibility of its misuse in group-based voting practices.

His comments came amid discussions over transparency in the recently concluded BCB election, which he described as competitive and fair. He also said he had resisted pressure to announce a panel, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.

Referring to the ongoing crisis involving Brothers Union in the Dhaka Premier League, Tamim said the board would act according to existing regulations in the absence of formal agreements between clubs and players.