Serious Financial Irregularities Alleged Against BCB President Faruq Ahmed
Fresh controversy has emerged around Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruq Ahmed, with allegations of major financial irregularities involving fixed deposits. Popular sports journalist Riasad Azim raised the allegations in a Facebook post, claiming that Faruq transferred around Tk 120 crore from BCB funds into two politically connected “yellow zone” banks shortly after assuming office, all without proper board approval.
Azim detailed that Faruq, using his executive powers, redirected the substantial sum within just three months, depositing Tk 52 crore into one bank and making further transfers of Tk 10 crore, Tk 14 crore, and Tk 30 crore into another — both banks reportedly starting with the letter ‘M’. The journalist also hinted at exposing the banks’ ownership links after further investigation, while expressing fears for his own safety.
Meanwhile, an investigation by national daily The Daily Ittefaq corroborated parts of these claims. Sources revealed that Faruq prioritized controlling BCB’s Tk 1,300 crore fixed deposit fund soon after taking charge. Allegations include transferring deposits to weak financial institutions without standing committee approval — instead using executive authority.
Ittefaq’s inquiry shows that these banks had minimal initial deposits from BCB before Faruq’s actions. One bank saw a jump from just Tk 3 crore to over Tk 52 crore within two months. Another saw multiple deposits totaling over Tk 100 crore, primarily managed between August and November last year.
The investigation also suggested close ties between BCB’s top leadership and senior executives at these banks facilitated these unusual transactions. Additional accusations include BCB executives being intimidated into silence about these deals.
Beyond financial matters, Faruq faces criticism for interfering with BPL team allocations, allegedly favoring Rajshahi franchise owner Shafiqul Rahman without proper procedures. Payment issues for players and staff in the latest BPL season have further tarnished the board’s reputation, with foreign players reportedly boycotting matches over unpaid dues — an unprecedented event in Bangladesh cricket.
Questions have also been raised about BCB’s overall management under Faruq’s leadership. Despite claiming credit for past Test victories, records show Bangladesh has not won a Test match since he officially took office, with the cricket team winning only one out of nine ODIs during his tenure.
Financial mismanagement extends to broadcasting rights as well, with no major broadcasters picking up rights for the ongoing home series against Zimbabwe — a significant revenue loss. Despite chairing the BCB’s marketing committee, Faruq has yet to convene a single official meeting.
On the expenditure side, Faruq’s foreign trips have reportedly cost the board nearly Tk 80 lakh in just eight months. Investigations allege that he stayed extra days in Dubai at BCB’s expense during tours intended for ICC meetings or team supervision, even as matches continued elsewhere.
Sources close to BCB claim that the organization is now run almost entirely on the president’s executive orders — from bypassing tender processes in broadcasting rights sales, to arbitrarily promoting employees, to transferring core accounts to preferred banks without board consultations.
With growing unrest inside and outside the cricketing community, the BCB leadership faces increasing scrutiny over transparency, governance, and the future direction of Bangladesh cricket