After Temporary Suspension, Harsher Punishment: Top National Shooter Kali Banned for One Year

Kamrunnahar Kali, one of Bangladesh’s premier shooters, has been banned from the sport for a period of one year following a temporary suspension earlier this year. The Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation (BSSF) initially suspended Kali on 1 January, citing violations of the national team training camp’s code of conduct. Now, after a month-long review, the federation has escalated the disciplinary action, imposing a full-year ban.

The federation formally communicated the decision to Kali’s employer, the Bangladesh Navy, via an official letter on Tuesday. The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) was also notified of the decision.

The notification, signed by BSSF Secretary General Ferdous Ara Khanam, details the reasons for the ban. According to the letter, the Executive Committee, in its sixth meeting on 2 February, concluded that Kali had violated seven clauses of the training camp code of conduct. The letter further states that on 25 January, during several “reprehensible and serious incidents” at the federation’s office, Kali reportedly displayed “extremely insolent, insulting, threatening, and aggressive behaviour” towards the Secretary General, Executive Committee members, officers, and staff, in the presence of investigating police officers. The conduct was described as severely undermining the federation’s discipline, security, and institutional dignity, and contributing to an overall deterioration of law and order.

As a result, in accordance with Articles 16.20 and 16.21 of the federation’s constitution, Kamrunnahar Kali has been barred from participating in shooting events for one year.

The decision comes against the backdrop of previous controversies involving Kali. Earlier, she publicly spoke out against alleged irregularities and sexual harassment within the federation, including claims against Joint Secretary GM Haider. Several other shooters had also voiced similar allegations. However, the current ban notice makes no reference to these claims, focusing solely on the behavioural violations cited by the federation.

Timeline of Key Events

This one-year ban marks a significant development in the career of Bangladesh’s top female shooter and has stirred discussion within the country’s sporting community.