Amidst a mass uprising by students and the public, Sheikh Hasina has stepped down as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In the wake of the fall of the long-standing Awami League government, a football fan group in Bangladesh is now calling for the resignation of Kazi Salahuddin, the President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
A supporters' group known as 'Bangladesh Football Ultras' has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Salahuddin. Media reports suggest that several members of the Ultras have already delivered a written letter to the BFF headquarters.
On social media, Ultras President Aminul Bepari Shiplu officially announced the ultimatum to Salahuddin, stating, "Salahuddin has been given a 24-hour ultimatum. If he does not resign voluntarily, we will remove him tomorrow (Tuesday). After 24 hours, we will occupy the BFF building."
The organization has made a single demand, asserting that despite Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin's sixteen-year tenure as BFF President, his contribution to the development of football in the country remains questionable. There is no visible evidence of his efforts to improve the nation's football.
Furthermore, during his presidency, BFF Senior Vice President Abdus Salam Murshedy was found guilty in a FIFA investigation and fined, which has damaged the reputation of football in the country.
The Ultras' announcement has elicited mixed reactions. One supporter urged caution, fearing a potential FIFA ban. Tofazzal Hossain Tanvir, a supporter, wrote, "This is unnecessary. FIFA might ban our football as a result. The BFF President's term will end in a few months. A new committee will take over through elections. Moreover, we are very close to getting Hamza Choudhury in the national team. If BFF is banned now, it will not be good for our football. Forcibly removing him (Salahuddin) is not a good decision."
However, Kazi Salahuddin's resignation is imperative for several reasons. Firstly, his prolonged tenure has not yielded the expected improvements in Bangladeshi football. Despite being at the helm for sixteen years, there is a glaring absence of significant progress or development in the sport. This stagnation has led to growing frustration among fans and stakeholders who are eager for a change in leadership that can bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to the federation.
Secondly, the involvement of senior officials in scandals, such as the FIFA investigation that found Abdus Salam Murshedy guilty, has severely tarnished the image of Bangladeshi football. This incident under Salahuddin's leadership has raised serious questions about the governance and integrity of the BFF. A change in leadership is necessary to restore credibility and trust in the federation.
Lastly, the current climate of dissatisfaction and unrest among football supporters cannot be ignored. The ultimatum issued by the Bangladesh Football Ultras reflects a broader sentiment of discontent. Ignoring these voices could lead to further instability and potential repercussions from international bodies like FIFA. By stepping down, Salahuddin would demonstrate a willingness to prioritise the future of Bangladeshi football over personal tenure, paving the way for new leadership that can address the existing challenges and drive the sport forward.
