Eight directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have submitted a no-confidence letter against board president Faruque Ahmed to the National Sports Council.

Though most directors refused to speak openly, one of them confirmed, “No comment means something has happened. Except Akram Khan, all of us signed the letter.”

The letter, which later surfaced publicly, was signed by Nazmul Abedin Fahim, Fahim Sinha, Md Saiful Alam Swapon Chowdhury, Mahbubul Alam, Iftikhar Rahman Mithu, Kazi Inam Ahmed, Md Monzur Alam, and Md Salahuddin Chowdhury. Only Akram Khan did not sign.

Despite the pressure, Faruque Ahmed said he would not step down, claiming he is an elected president and no specific failure has been presented to justify his resignation. “If they told me what I did wrong, I could accept it. But they only say higher authorities don’t want me. Why should I resign without cause?” he said.

Faruque alleged that the move was part of a conspiracy that started after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) looked into irregularities in third-division cricket. “Some board directors were found involved. I also stopped a return to the old, corrupt ticketing method in BPL. Now, the same people are targeting me,” he added.

He further said he realized the government’s position during a meeting with Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan on Wednesday night, where he was informed that the government no longer wanted him in the role—without citing any performance issue.

“I didn’t ask for this post. I was called and appointed. If they want me out, they should clearly state the reason,” Faruque said.

According to board insiders, a final decision may come in Saturday’s BCB meeting. If a new name is proposed and most directors agree, Faruque may have to step down.

MSK/