Akram resigned earlier this week citing interference in the wake of a selection row involving his nephew Tamim Iqbal. -Photo by AFP

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s chief national selector Akram Khan withdrew his resignation on Saturday following assurances from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that there will be no interference in his work.

Akram resigned earlier this week citing interference in the wake of a selection row involving his nephew Tamim Iqbal for the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh board president Mustafa Kamal omitted opener Tamim Iqbal reducing the 15-man squad to 14.

Tamim, who had been suffering from a groin injury, was later recalled to the side after he passed a fitness test.

“I was invited by the Prime Minster at her office on Thursday to discuss the issue,” Akram told a news conference. “She assured me I can work freely and no one will interfere from now on. Later through a board director she asked me to withdraw my resignation letter.

“She is our guardian, so after her words there is nothing much to say. I hope I will be able to work independently,” he said.

Akram, a former captain, helped Bangladesh qualify for their first World Cup in 1999 following victory in the lower-tier ICC trophy in 1997.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

WHILE launching the Economic Survey 2026, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told a hopeful story of economic...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...