For the first time, the Bangladesh Football Federation went on a global talent hunt, bringing in 48 players from 14 different countries.
While the federation is still deciding who will make the final cut, it’s already busy making plans for the future across its different age-group and national teams.
Under-17, Under-23 and Futsal Inclusion on the Table
According to BFF Vice President Fahad Karim, the federation is considering placing at least one player into the under-23 national camp and up to three in the under-17 squad. There’s also growing interest in using this pool to form a new futsal team.
“We’ve already held futsal trials,” said Karim. “Two players didn’t participate, but their profiles are strong. Once we appoint a head coach for futsal, we’ll share those profiles and see if they’re worth inviting to camp.”
The idea is to create a more defined structure. Karim believes the initial results could produce one player for the under-23 team, another for futsal, and several for youth squads.
“This could average out to three to four players per trial cycle,” he said.
Spotlight Shifts After Hamza-Shamim Era
The inclusion of players like Hamza, Shamim, and Farhamidul in recent national squads has sparked broader interest in finding fresh faces. While BFF secured a long-term kit sponsor during that phase, ongoing interest from long-term partners has slowed.
Short-term partnerships are now the more likely route. Karim mentioned that talks are ongoing with at least two companies, and announcements may come by October.
“We’re working on getting a technology partner and a health partner for both men’s and women’s teams,” he said. “At least three or four companies are already interested in Hamza alone. I’m also promoting Shamim now.”
Women’s Football Gaining Ground
The BFF is also laying plans to expand women’s football. Federation officials say they’re open to organizing a talent hunt for expatriate female players in the future.
More notably, there’s growing confidence within the BFF to launch a women’s franchise league.
While these initiatives are still taking shape, the momentum suggests a wider strategy is being developed. The diaspora trials, though experimental, may set a precedent for how Bangladesh sources its football talent moving forward.
