Bangladesh Under-20 coach Gerard Jones has offered some relief after a troubling social media post about his unpaid salary, saying he has now received the money but still faces banking complications and other personal concerns.
Jones posted the update on Monday, around two hours after his first message raised fears over his financial situation and safety while working in Bangladesh.
In his first post, the English coach said he felt “depressed” and “disappointed” and claimed he could not send money to his wife and children because he had not received his salary. He also said he felt “fearful and concerned” about his own safety.
His second post changed the picture on the salary issue.
Jones said he had received the money but needed to resolve a banking matter before he could use or transfer it as he wanted. He also said officials had not previously explained some of the complications he now faces.
“I am now dealing with a banking issue because I have received the money, but further challenges and complications have arisen that I was not made aware of,” Jones wrote.
The coach also raised concerns over the handling of some of his personal financial information.
However, his latest message focused on more than money. Jones said living away from his wife and three children had already proved difficult. He then described several incidents in Dhaka and elsewhere that left him feeling uncomfortable and helpless.
He claimed that people had approached his car and banged on it while others surrounded him and asked for money. He also said people had approached him personally on several occasions seeking financial assistance.
Jones said the combination of financial uncertainty, unexpected incidents and the pressures of life in Bangladesh had left him feeling isolated.
“I am fearful and concerned, confused, helpless and alone,” he wrote.
Despite the concerns, Jones ended his second post with a more positive message. He said he hoped the problems would get resolved because he wanted to concentrate on his work without constant worry.
Jones currently leads Bangladesh’s Under-20 side at the Shamsul Huda Academy in Jashore. The team prepares for the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup qualifiers, which take place later this month.
Bangladesh sit in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Syria and India. The campaign will test Jones and his young squad against three demanding opponents.
For now, the coach’s salary problem appears closer to a resolution than his first post suggested. Yet his latest message shows that financial access, privacy and personal security concerns have not completely disappeared.
His immediate priority remains the Bangladesh Under-20 team and the qualifying campaign ahead.
