Feni’s First BCB Councillor

Shariful Islam Opu, a young sports organiser from Feni, has been nominated as a councillor of the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the first time in the district’s history. His appointment is widely viewed as recognition of his long-standing involvement in grassroots sport development, his organisational capabilities, and his consistent contribution to the expansion of cricket at the local level.

Although he has been a familiar figure in the sporting landscape of Feni for many years, he had not previously held positions in either the national cricket board structure or the district sports association committees. His elevation to the councillor role marks a significant milestone both for him personally and for the sporting community in the region.

Shariful Islam Opu began his journey in cricket as a player with the Doctorpara Club and later represented Feni Government Pilot High School’s cricket team. He gained attention as part of the school squad that won the National School and Madrasa Cricket Championship in 2004. In 2005, he went on to represent the Feni Under-17 district team as a fast bowler. However, his playing career was cut short in 2006 after a hand injury sustained during a tournament in Sonagazi.

Following his premature retirement from playing, he transitioned into sports organisation. In 2009, he established the “Cricket Institute” in Feni with the aim of nurturing young talent. Through his initiatives, several players emerged, most notably Bangladesh international cricketer Mohammad Saifuddin, who developed through his academy system and affiliated clubs.

He also became a registered umpire under the Bangladesh Cricket Board in 2010, further broadening his involvement in the sport’s administrative framework.

Between 2008 and 2010, Opu organised the “FPL” tournament at the Feni Government Pilot High School field for three consecutive years. The event is credited with revitalising cricket activity in the district. The tournament attracted notable national figures, including politician Abdul Awal Mintoo, sports administrator Tabith Awal, former chief executive of the Bangladesh Olympic Association Colonel (Retd.) Waliullah, and former national cricketer Akram Khan, whose participation added prestige to the events.

He further expanded the initiative by organising the first privately-led school cricket tournament in Bangladesh in 2011 under the FPL banner. In 2014, he launched the FPL T20 tournament involving young club players from across Feni, which helped identify and develop emerging talents.

One of his most widely appreciated initiatives was the “FPL Future Cricket Festival,” which involved kindergarten-aged children. The programme played an important role in building early interest in cricket among children and encouraging parental engagement in youth sports.

Key Career Timeline

Shariful Islam Opu’s nomination is seen as a reflection of sustained grassroots engagement and his long-term commitment to developing cricket infrastructure and talent in Feni.