Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruque Ahmed on Saturday rejected claims associating him with the ex-government, Awami League, stating that these accusations are completely baseless.
The BCB chief鈥檚 response comes in light of increasing criticism regarding financial decisions, political ties, and alleged misuse of board resources.
There were allegations that Faruque used BCB funds to accommodate a political associate from Narayanganj in a hotel, which he denied.
聽鈥業 have no ties to fascism. I鈥檓 serving as the BCB president under this government. If there were even a hint of such a link, do you think I would still be here?鈥� said Faruque while speaking during a prize-giving ceremony of a Third Division selection tournament.
鈥榃e do a lot of good work, but it often gets overlooked due to external pressure. Positive contributions are ignored when negativity dominates the narrative. I urge everyone to report the truth鈥攐nly then can I be judged fairly.鈥�
One of the main controversies involves the transfer of BCB鈥檚 fixed deposits worth Tk 250 crore to new banks, reportedly without board approval.
Critics claimed the transactions lacked transparency; however, Faruque refrained from addressing the matter in detail.
Later, the BCB clarified that the reallocation was made to strengthen the safety of its funds and to secure better returns, which was done through banks rated 鈥楪reen鈥� and 鈥榊ellow鈥� by the Bangladesh Bank.
According to the board, Tk 238 crore was transferred to the new banks, while Tk 12 crore was used for operational expenses. The move improved interest earnings by 2鈥�5 per cent compared to previous agreements.
Faruque said he is focused on cricketing matters, particularly Bangladesh鈥檚 forthcoming home series against India in August, which comprises three ODIs and two T20Is.
A recent report from an Indian media outlet has raised concerns about the tour within the diplomatic tensions, but Faruque dismissed all the doubts.
鈥業鈥檝e spoken with both Jay Shah and Debojit Saikia. Jay Shah was BCCI secretary during our first meeting and ICC chairman by the next. They鈥檝e given me their word, and as far as I know, there is no change. The tour will go ahead.鈥�