Kazi Mohammed Salahuddin, the incumbent president of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) affirmed that he is not stepping down when some quarters under the banner of a football fan group demanded his reifnation.
Salahuddin, who has been leading the BFF for last four terms as president, told the media that he would contest in the upcoming BFF elections for the fifth time scheduled to be held in October.
The football fan group, named ‘Bangladesh Football Ultras’, organised a campaign demanding the resignation of Salahuddin, executive member Mahfuza Akter Kiran, and senior vice president Abdus Salam Murshedy, who has already stepped down.
In response to the protest, Salahuddin told the media, “First of all, I want know, have they any contribution in football? What they did for country’s football? They can demand for election. We have already announced that the election of the BFF will be held on October 26. I wanted to organise the election in September but Board made it for October. My tenure will complete on October 3, but instead of waiting for that they are threating me. I am not afraid of that. If necessary I will seek protection to interim government. I have every right.”
There is no way to do anything undemocratic with BFF leadership, it would happened within 24 hours have face embargo, Salahuddin informed. “AFC told me whether I would have any assistance. I told not necessary, everything is okay. I can’t told the country’s internal situation to them which could be resulted suspension.”
So, who are they to tell me I should not contest, It’s my democratic right ? Who gave them the right to threaten and vandalise if I will run again?”
“I am not resigning, I will contest the election again because I will not leave football in the face of any threats,” Salahuddin was strict on his stance.
“I am not an ordinary person. I have a long football background, having represented and captained the national team. I am also a freedom fighter and received national sports awards, the independence award of Ziaur Rahman, the liberation award during HM Ershad and the Sheikh Kamal Lifetime Achievement Award during the regimes of Awami League. I will leave football on my terms, not due to threats.”
Salahuddin also alleged that the Ultras are employees of the now-defunct Saif Sporting Club, suggesting their demands are motivated for their own interest.
“If they are so popular, they should run in the elections themselves. Why are they so concerned about me? If I were a failure, the councilors would not vote for me. I was first elected BFF president against Awami League organisers,” he claimed.
