Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Durbar Rajshahi has started to clear the remaining payments of their local players, as promised by their owner, Shafiq Rahman, following his interrogation by law enforcement agencies.

According to a Rajshahi official, 14 of their local players received 25 percent of their payment in cash yesterday, bringing their total payments for this edition of the BPL to 50 percent. They had previously received 25 percent during the Chattogram phase of the tournament.

However, the official also confirmed to The Daily Star that Rajshahi's support staff did not receive any payment yesterday and were told they would be paid 50 percent of their promised amount on February 7 and 10 through a banking channel.

When a few Rajshahi players were contacted to verify the payments, they confirmed the matter.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Youth and Sports issued a press release stating that Rajshahi owner Shafiq was taken into custody and interrogated by law enforcement agencies in the early hours of Monday.

According to the release, the Rajshahi owner had previously discussed the issue with sports adviser Asif Mahmud, during which he assured that 50 percent of the payments would be completed by February 2.

However, after failing to honour his commitment and with rumours circulating that Shafiq might flee, the government intervened, leading to his interrogation.

"He [Shafiq] accepted his fault and promised to clear all dues in three instalments of 25 percent each on February 3, 7, and 10. He also assured that, alongside the players, everyone involved with the team would receive their payments in each instalment. Otherwise, necessary legal actions will be taken against him," the release stated.

Durbar Rajshahi, a new addition in the BPL's 11 edition, has frequently made headlines this season due to the non-payment issue, damaging the reputation of the competition globally.

Meanwhile, reports emerged that Rajshahi's overseas players have been stranded in a hotel in the capital due to unpaid wages and daily allowances, and there are even claims circulating on social media that dues for the hotel and team bus have not been cleared.

On the field, Rajshahi narrowly missed out on a playoff place, finishing fifth in the points table after the league phase.