How is being board president different from being captain of the Bangladesh team?
There is a massive difference, of course. As the Bangladesh captain, you only think about the cricket and the players. As board president, you have to think about overall development, not just of the players, about the coaching staff and the board employees. You have to make decisions for the greater interest of the game. From this position, you cannot make emotional decisions. You have to consider Bangladesh's future.
Do you draw experience and inspiration from your time as captain?
There are certain things that are definitely helping me. I also understand how the modern player thinks - what they like and dislike. I remember as a player in the dressing room what we used to discuss about the cricket board. I know what the players expect and want from the board. We have always said that there's a difference between the players and the board [that] they didn't understand each other's mentality [but] I don't want to blame any side.
When I was outside the board, I used to think of a lot of small things that needed to be addressed. The elections will be held very soon, so I don't have much time as board president, and there is, of course, the need to make a lot of big decisions and investments in Bangladesh cricket, but you can make a difference by implementing the smaller details. It provides comfort and hope to a lot of people.
You are the youngest BCB president, and one of the younger board presidents in cricket. Are you going to engage with the ICC and other boards?
I am trying to get in touch with everyone. I am a firm believer about having clear communication. You have to be more tactical and logical when you are dealing with your partners. I am sure all the boards will appreciate it if I can communicate the vision of Bangladesh cricket in a nice way. I want to talk about what support we need from every cricket board to get where Bangladesh wants to be in world cricket. I see it as one big family, where the elders make opportunity for the younger members to grow.
One of the first things you spoke of as board president was improving the fan experience at venues.
Fans are our biggest stakeholders, but what comforts are we giving them? A guy who spends 200 taka (US$1.63 approx) on buying a ticket, how can he afford a 250 taka ($2) worth of biryani?
The BCB can give everyone free drinking water during an international match. When you talk about the facilities, I found out that there hasn't been any renovation of the Mirpur stadium, for instance, since it was built so many years ago. I have seen the toilets at this venue. You can't honestly expect a parent to take their child to this type of washroom. So what's my responsibility? I cannot control how Bangladesh is going to bat or bowl, but I can control how a fan can feel comfortable at a cricket ground. I know I can't change everything overnight, but I can bring about some changes, definitely.
Will you only remain an interim president or are you also thinking about your future in the board?
I made it very clear in my first press conference that I will run for president in the next election. I have a responsibility to have a free and fair election. Bangladesh cricket's stakeholders deserve to have a fair election. You have seen recently how cricket almost came to a halt in Bangladesh. Players were suffering, so we don't want that situation to happen again. If I get the opportunity after the elections, I will get to work on my vision for Bangladesh cricket.
For instance, producing good cricketers is as important as our two national teams. I need to know which doors to open for these cricketers to come up. I have to raise the overall facilities in the country. I have to increase the number of matches. Most importantly, we have to promote cricket. We cannot stop promoting the game just because it is the No. 1 sport in Bangladesh. I think we don't promote the game enough in cities, small towns and villages. We see that big companies continue promoting their brands, because otherwise people will forget the name[s].
Bangladesh are heading to the Women's T20 World Cup in a couple of months. What is your vision for women's cricket in the country?
First and foremost, I want to ensure the safety of our female cricketers. What has happened [allegations of improper behaviour by a former selector] and what they have suffered in the last few years, the No. 1 priority is their overall safety and security. We can think about development and the World Cup a little later. Their parents are not really worried about how many runs or wickets their daughters have scored or taken. They want the well-being and safety of their daughters. As the head of the BCB, I have to make sure I give that sense of security to that family. I have to make my girls safe.
As a former captain who was so recently playing for Bangladesh, are you going to be directly involved with the men's cricket team?
I want to deal with the team in a professional manner. I have played this game for a long time, so I have a fair idea of what's going on. But always giving ideas and sharing things isn't good for the team. The previous board appointed the selectors, who have to be given a fair chance. It won't be good if I started dictating things. If I get involved in the team and the team doesn't do well, then who is answerable to who?
I will always observe what they are doing, but I won't pressurise them into any situation. I must give those who are in charge [the opportunity] to do a good job.
You must have noticed how cricket's popularity has taken a tumble in Bangladesh. How do you plan to bring back that popularity?
A certain group of players becomes very popular in a country, which helps grow the game there. When that group moves on and retires, the game receives a jolt. Bangladesh is no different. There were five very popular cricketers who have almost finished their careers. One of them is still playing in one format.
This is where the promotion comes in. People in this country love cricket, so we have to remind them of this feeling. Maybe your favourite cricketer is no longer playing, but the Bangladesh team is playing. It is the BCB's job to present this generation of cricketers as heroes to the young kids. If I bash them in the media - which has happened [with other board presidents] in the past - it won't help Bangladesh cricket promote their brand.
How close are you to holding BCB elections?
We were given three months to hold elections, but it will be completed before three months.
How do you plan to bring everyone together for Bangladesh cricket?
People in the subcontinent find it hard to accept you as a leader when you are young. It is going to be my responsibility to show everyone respect. Again, communication is very important here. If I share my vision with everyone, I think they will slowly start believing in me. I want to bring everyone together, to give them the respect they deserve. I am not here to dictate or make harsh decisions. It is not about my likes or dislikes. Sitting in the president's chair, my ego and anger has to go out of the window. This is my mentality and this is how I want to take Bangladesh cricket into the future.