Kazi Salahuddin Won’t Run In Upcoming BFF Election

Kazi Salahuddin has been the President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) for an uninterrupted 16 years, but his term is set to end soon. The BFF elections are scheduled for October, and the former footballer has decided not to participate, signaling the conclusion of his leadership era.

On Saturday, September 14, Salahuddin made a surprise appearance at BFF Bhaban, addressing the media after a long absence since the fall of the Awami League government. He officially announced his decision not to run in the October 26 election.

Following the government's downfall amidst widespread protests, demands for resignations emerged from various sectors, both governmental and private. While some individuals resigned voluntarily, others were pressured into stepping down.

Amid these calls for change, many football enthusiasts and citizens also called for Salahuddin's resignation. However, he had previously rejected these demands, stating he would run in the next election.

"I will not resign. I have the democratic right to run in elections. How can you deny me that? I might have reconsidered if the Interim Government had asked, but I won't be intimidated by threats from certain groups," Salahuddin had declared.

Now, with his decision not to compete in the upcoming election, a new leader will inevitably step up, marking the end of Salahuddin's long 16-year tenure that began with his first election in 2008, during which he served four consecutive terms as BFF President.