‘You’ll see Hamza representing Bangladesh next time’

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has entered a new era following the end of Kazi Salahuddin's 16-year presidency.

Among the fresh leadership, Fahad Mohammad Ahmed Karim, a prominent figure in sports marketing and the President and CEO of K-Sports, has been elected as one of the four Vice Presidents.

Known for his expertise in sports management, Fahad brings a wealth of experience and ambition to the table, aiming to reshape Bangladeshi football's future.

Fahad, alongside Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, Sabbir Ahmed Arif, and Nasser Shahrear Zahedee, now holds the responsibility of steering the BFF under the leadership of new President Tabith Awal. 

With his background in marketing and an eye for innovative strategies, Fahad is poised to play a critical role in addressing the challenges faced by Bangladeshi football.

In a conversation with The Business Standard at the Ascent Cup final—a celebrated corporate football tournament held annually in Dhaka, where he served as one of the Chief Guests—Fahad Karim discussed the committee's priorities, grassroots development, and pressing issues surrounding football in Bangladesh.

A need for change

Fahad acknowledged the immense challenges ahead for the newly elected committee but stressed that progress was already underway.

"There are numerous areas that require attention," Fahad explained. "It hasn'll been long since we were elected, but we are already working on creating a plan and aiming to implement it systematically. Personally, I'm focusing on matters related to marketing. By the end of the month, we will hold another meeting to present our preliminary plans for the future. I'm optimistic that by the end of next month, we'll have a clearer direction on what we are doing and where improvements are needed."

One of the key focus areas for the new leadership is improving football infrastructure across the country. "We're in discussions with government and private institutions regarding facilities and how to use them more efficiently. Improving the condition of our grounds, particularly those outside Dhaka, is another priority. We want them to reach a standard where matches can be hosted confidently. Under this committee, I believe you will see visible changes very soon," he said.

Grassroots and technical development

Grassroots development has been a recurring topic of discussion within the BFF. Echoing President Tabith Awal's earlier statements on the need for better developmental coaches and continuous tournaments at the district and age-group levels, Fahad emphasised the importance of technical expertise.

"Although I'm not a technical expert, as a football enthusiast and Vice President of the Federation, I firmly believe there's always room for development. Our top priority will be creating opportunities to drive this progress," he said. "In my view, we need specialised coaches for the various aspects and roles in football. Their expertise will be vital in ensuring growth at the grassroots level."

Addressing the SAFF women's team salary delay

The SAFF-winning women's team has been the pride of Bangladesh football, but their success has been overshadowed by controversy. Reports emerged that players had gone three months without salaries, raising questions about the federation's management.

Fahad, while addressing the issue, explained that the delay stemmed from complications with receiving funds from FIFA. "I don't think it's fair to place blame on anyone in this situation. The delay was caused by complications in receiving funds from FIFA, which unfortunately resulted in a time lag. It certainly wasn't intentional," he clarified.

However, Fahad assured that steps were being taken to prevent such issues in the future. "Since this issue has drawn significant attention, we'll take steps to avoid similar occurrences. For instance, if there's a systemic delay, we'll explore alternative solutions to ensure salaries are paid on time."

Looking ahead, he highlighted the women's team's upcoming challenges. "We are also focusing on tournaments over the next two years, such as the SAFF U-20 Championship in 2025, the SAFF Women's Championship in 2026, and the Asian Cup qualifiers. We're committed to preparing thoroughly for these events," Fahad added.

Hamza Choudhury and the men's national team

Leicester City footballer Hamza Choudhury's inclusion in the Bangladesh men's national team has been a significant point of interest for fans. Fahad shared an optimistic update on the situation.

"It's an ongoing process, but I'm almost certain that everything will be finalised by the next international window," he revealed. "You'll probably see Hamza representing Bangladesh during that period."

Hamza's eligibility process recently took a significant step forward, with the BFF securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the English FA. This development has brought the midfielder closer to fulfilling his dream of representing Bangladesh on the international stage.

With a clear focus on addressing key challenges and fostering long-term growth, Fahad Karim's leadership within the BFF offers a beacon of hope for Bangladeshi football. As the new committee navigates its early days, the nation will be watching closely for the promised "visible changes" to take shape.