Dhaka, Monday:
A storm of criticism has erupted on social media after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director and Chairman of the Age Group Tournament Committee, Asif Akbar, made what many have described as derogatory comments about football during a BCB Cricket Conference held at a city hotel on Sunday.

His remarks sparked widespread outrage among footballers, officials, and fans, prompting the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to lodge a formal protest.

On Monday, BFF President Tabith Awal sent an official letter to BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, seeking clarification over the incident.

In the letter, the BFF expressed “deep disappointment and concern” over Asif’s comments, stating: “As a respected and experienced individual, your appointment as BCB President is a matter of pride for us. However, the statements made about football at the Cricket Conference were insulting, demeaning, and alarming—not only for football but for the entire sporting community.”

The letter further added: “It is disheartening and concerning that such sentiments emerged from a cricket conference. Sports should be a platform of unity and pride for the nation. When terms like ‘elite’ and ‘fighting’ are used to describe football, it raises serious questions—are we still upholding the ideals of equality and fairness declared during the July student uprising? Moreover, the tone of ‘fighting’ sounded almost like a threat. We expect a formal and public explanation from you on this matter.”

Following the BFF’s protest, the Bangladesh Football Players’ Welfare Association also issued a statement condemning Asif Akbar’s remarks.

Former national footballer and association president Iqbal Hossain said, “We strongly protest his irresponsible comments. The BCB must take immediate action.”

Standing beside him, former national captain Mamunul Islam added, “He should withdraw his statement and apologize to the nation. Until then, football lovers will not accept him.”

Meanwhile, Sonali Otit Club, an association of former footballers, released a protest note on Monday describing Asif’s comments as “irresponsible and insulting.” The statement reminded that the current BCB President himself was once a respected footballer in the domestic league, urging both federations to resolve any infrastructure-related issues through dialogue rather than division.