Tariq Kazi terminates contract with Bashundhara Kings over unpaid wages

Bashundhara Kings centre-back Tariq Kazi has announced the termination of his contract with the club, citing unpaid wages.

"Today, I have legally terminated my contract with Bashundhara Kings due to outstanding salary payments," Tariq announced in a Facebook post on Friday.

The 25-year-old Bangladesh international, capped 33 times for the national team, joined the five-time Bangladesh Premier League champions in 2019 from Finland having been naturalised as a Bangladeshi citizen. Since then, he has been a mainstay in defence for both club and country, winning four league titles with the Kings.

Despite repeated attempts, no Bashundhara Kings official could be reached for comment.

In his statement, the Finnish-born defender reflected on a year-long struggle with inconsistent and delayed payments, describing the experience as both a financial and emotional burden.

"There are moments in a footballer's life when silence becomes too heavy to carry," Tariq wrote. "For over a year, I lived through a period of inconsistent and delayed salary payments, months of uncertainty that tested my strength both as a professional and as a person. It wasn't only a financial challenge; it was an emotional burden that true professionals quietly endure."

Tariq expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches Oscar Bruzón, Valeriu Tita and Mario Gómez, and the supporters, as well as the Bangladesh national team, for their unwavering support.

"Every time I stepped onto the pitch wearing the green and red, I felt something sacred. In those moments, I forgot the pain because representing Bangladesh reminded me that football, at its core, is still pure," he wrote.

The defender also called for greater transparency and fairness in Bangladeshi football, highlighting that many local players continue to suffer from similar financial neglect.

"This farewell is not born from anger, but from truth, dignity, and gratitude," Tariq concluded. "I walk away from Bashundhara Kings with pride, not pain. Regardless of the circumstances, my heart is filled with special moments which I will cherish for the rest of my life. My story continues."