Shafiqul Rahman, the owner of BPL franchise Durbar Rajshahi, has pledged to clear all outstanding payments within a week in three installments.
Law enforcement authorities took Shafiqul Rahman into custody for questioning regarding repeated breaches of payment commitments. During the interrogation, he admitted to failing his obligations multiple times and assured that all dues would be settled by February 10.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed this in an official press release today.
Durbar Rajshahi has been at the center of controversy throughout this BPL season for failing to pay players and coaching staff. The franchise made headlines for player protests, unpaid foreign recruits refusing to play, multiple bounced checks, and even international players being stranded in hotels due to non-payment.
According to the press release, the franchise repeatedly violated agreements with players, coaching staff, and management, tarnishing both the tournament’s and the country’s reputation on the international stage.
When reports of financial mismanagement surfaced, Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan initiated discussions with Shafiqul Rahman to resolve the issue. However, the release states that Rahman failed to honor his commitments, including a promise to clear 50% of the dues by February 2. Instead, more allegations of financial irregularities emerged.
Highlighting the circumstances that led to his custody, the ministry’s statement mentioned, “Amid rumors of the franchise owner fleeing, the government was compelled to intervene.”
Following his detention and questioning, Shafiqul Rahman committed to settling the debts in three installments—25% on February 3, another 25% on February 7, and the remaining 50% on February 10.
The ministry also confirmed that a fact-finding committee is investigating the financial irregularities in the BPL. The government remains firm in its commitment to take action against those responsible for damaging the country’s image.
