What is Going on with BCB? Is There Under-the-Table Settlement?

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been under scrutiny after recent allegations of financial irregularities and unethical conduct by its interim president, Faruk Ahmed. Sports journalist Riasad Azim raised serious concerns about Faruk Ahmed’s unilateral decision to transfer a huge sum of BCB’s money between banks without consulting other board members. Additionally, his association with controversial political figures and questionable expenses during official tours have sparked debates about transparency and governance in BCB.

With Bangladesh still recovering from the political unrest of July-August 2024, where students and citizens demanded accountability and reform, such actions by a high-profile sports administrator raise alarming questions. Is Faruk Ahmed truly working for the betterment of Bangladesh cricket, or is there a deeper, more concerning agenda at play?

*The Controversial Money Transfer: Security or Suspicion?*

1. Unilateral Decision Without Board Approval

One of the biggest concerns is Faruk Ahmed’s decision to transfer a significant amount of BCB’s funds from one bank to another without consulting the board. According to BCB regulations, such financial moves require collective approval from board members. However, Ahmed bypassed this protocol, claiming it was an emergency measure to secure the money.

2. The Red Zone Bank Excuse

Ahmed defended his actions in a talk show with Khaled Mohiuddin, stating that the money was in a "red zone" bank (a bank at risk of instability) and needed to be moved to a "yellow or green zone" bank for safety. However, several questions remain unanswered:

- Why wasn’t the board informed beforehand?

- Why did the media have to investigate before the BCB made an official statement?

- Is there any hidden motive, such as under-the-table dealings with the banks involved?

If the transfer was genuinely for security reasons, why the secrecy? Transparency should be a priority for any board president, especially when handling public funds.

*Political Connections and Ethical Concerns*

3. Association with Controversial Political Figures

Faruk Ahmed’s ties with former political party members have raised eyebrows. Reports indicate that he traveled with a politically linked individual during an official BCB tour, with all expenses covered by the board. This individual has been independently accused of involvement in harassment and violence during the July-August 2024 student protests.

4. Land Purchase in Purbachal with Former AL Member

Further fueling suspicions, Ahmed reportedly purchased land in Purbachal in partnership with a former Awami League member. While private business dealings are not illegal, such associations raise ethical concerns, especially when the BCB president is expected to remain neutral and avoid conflicts of interest.

*A Pattern of Negative Headlines*

Since taking over as interim president, Faruk Ahmed has been embroiled in multiple controversies:

- Financial irregularities (unapproved money transfers).

- Questionable associations (traveling with controversial figures).

- Lack of transparency (delayed explanations to media and board).

These incidents suggest a troubling trend where accountability is being sidelined. Given BCB’s role in managing one of Bangladesh’s most beloved sports, such behavior is unacceptable.

*The Bigger Question: Is Faruk Ahmed Fit to Lead BCB?*

The BCB is not a personal fiefdom—it is an institution that should operate with integrity, transparency, and collective decision-making. If Ahmed continues to bypass protocols and engage in ethically questionable activities, it could harm Bangladesh cricket’s reputation and financial stability.

*What Should Be Done?*

1. Independent Audit: The BCB’s financial transactions should be independently audited to ensure no corruption or misuse of funds.

2. Board Discussion: All major decisions, especially financial ones, must involve the full board.

3. Public Explanation: Ahmed must address these allegations directly with evidence, not just through talk shows.

4. Ethical Review: The BCB should enforce stricter ethical guidelines to prevent conflicts of interest.

Cricket is more than just a game in Bangladesh—it’s a passion that unites the nation. If the BCB’s leadership fails to uphold transparency and integrity, the sport’s future could be at risk. Faruk Ahmed’s recent actions demand serious scrutiny.

The students’ movement of August 2024 called for a "New Bangladesh"—one free from corruption and unethical governance. Shouldn’t the BCB, a symbol of national pride, reflect those values?