Who is Rubaba Dowla, the Likely New BCB Director?

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to welcome Rubaba Dowla, a prominent corporate personality and women’s sports organiser, as one of its two National Sports Council (NSC)-nominated directors.

Earlier, businessman Ishfaq Ahsan had been nominated by the NSC as one of the two directors. However, following public criticism and controversy surrounding his alleged political affiliation with the Awami League, the NSC withdrew his nomination.

In his place, Rubaba Dowla’s name has surfaced as a strong contender for the directorship. Several BCB insiders and media reports have mentioned her name, although no official appointment letter has yet been issued.

Profile: Rubaba Dowla

Rubaba Dowla currently serves as the Country Director for Oracle Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, overseeing regional strategy and operations for one of the world’s leading technology companies. Prior to joining Oracle, she held senior executive positions at Grameenphone and Airtel, two of Bangladesh’s major telecom operators.

Her association with sports spans more than a decade. Between 2009 and 2015, she served as the President of the Bangladesh Badminton Federation, during which she actively promoted women’s participation in sports. She also holds a position on the Board of the Special Olympics Bangladesh, contributing to the inclusion of athletes with disabilities.

Rubaba holds both BBA and MBA degrees from the University of Dhaka. Additionally, she pursued higher education at the Stockholm School of Economics and the London Business School, two globally renowned institutions.

Beyond her professional commitments, Rubaba is engaged in social welfare initiatives and has a deep passion for the arts and culture. She enjoys playing golf in her leisure time. Interestingly, during her childhood, she aspired to become a lawyer.

Rubaba Dowla was raised in a family rich in artistic heritage. Her aunt, the legendary Nazrul Sangeet artist Feroza Begum, and her uncle, renowned painter Kamrul Hasan, instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for music and culture.

She continues to nurture her love for singing and has even recorded two songs featured in the mixed album “Jabe Jodi Cholo”, released under the G-Series label.

Over her long and distinguished career, Rubaba has earned several national and international accolades. In 2006, she received the Anannya Top Ten Women Award, honouring her as one of the most influential women in Bangladesh. She later gained international recognition through honours such as Women in Mobile Asia and the South Asian Business Excellence Award.

Her appointment to the Bangladesh Cricket Board marks a significant step towards greater gender representation and corporate professionalism in the country’s sports administration.