A group of 52 foreign-based and second-generation Bangladeshi footballers gathered in Dhaka on Saturday for a three-day trial organized by the Bangladesh Football Federation.
This is one of the largest gatherings of overseas Bangladeshi players in a national-level trial.
Of the 52 participants, 45 were brought in under the guidance of Sakib Mahmud, a Denmark-based football coach. Mahmud believes many of these players could bring fresh energy to Bangladesh’s youth and national teams.
“This is more than a trial,” he said. “It’s a movement to connect global Bangladeshi talent with the country’s football.”
Mahmud tracked down players from different parts of Europe, mostly through personal networks and his own outreach. He said many players were more likely to respond when contacted through a European number.
“If you call them with a Bangladeshi number, they may not take it seriously,” he explained. “But when I call using my Danish number, they listen. That gave me an edge.”
The initiative is driven not by any federation directive but by Mahmud’s personal effort and passion. “This is about love for the country,” he added.
Mahmud is also a close friend of national team captain Jamal Bhuyan. The two grew up together in Denmark and have both contributed to Bangladesh football in their own ways.
“Jamal started this path,” Mahmud said. “He’s been doing this for 15 years. I’m proud of him. Watching his struggle, I felt I should help other players find an easier way in.”
While this trial focuses on male players, Mahmud has also been working with female talent. He mentioned several high-potential female players under his guidance, including some who have trained at clubs like Aston Villa.
“They are ready too,” he said. “We’ll bring them to Bangladesh when the time is right.”
Mahmud is confident that many of these players will earn spots in the national or age-group squads. “Some of them have real quality,” he said. “They can take Bangladesh football to a new level.”
