The logo-unveiling ceremony of the forthcoming maiden season of the franchise-based football tournament, Bangladesh Super League, was held amid a colourful ceremony at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader inaugurated the ceremony as the chief guest.
The programme started with the speech of the chief guest before a video presentation of the tournament was displayed in the giant screen stationed inside the big bowl.
“It’s a good initiative to develop football in Bangladesh. India already started with the ISL (Indian Super League). Bangladesh also should start it soon,” said Quader.
The logo was unveiled with a laser show and was followed up by the tournament theme song “Goal, Goal, Goal, Awaz Tol”, which was performed by Satyajit Pradhan. The lyrics was provided by Kingkor Hasan and music by Bombay-based musician Dabbu Malik. Eagle Dance Company then exhibited an acrobatic show before the ceremony came to an end with flashy fireworks.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Sikder said, “Football is the game of life and we should take this game forward. I think it’s a great initiative. I wish all the best to BSL.”
CEO of Celebrity Management Group Vaswar Goswami believes the tournament will be the beginning of a new era. “Bangladesh Super League is like a dream come true for us. It’s a new journey. I guarantee it will not be a copy of any other tournament in the world. Our main target is to attract the youth to football. It’s a new beginning for Bangladesh football. We are proud to be a part of it,” he said.
Bangladesh Football Federation vice president Badal Roy is hopeful that the franchise-based league will develop the country’s football arena. “We want to produce fresh and quality players and take football to a new height,” he said.
The inaugural BSL is likely to kick off on November or December this year with the participation of eight divisional franchises. Five foreign players will be eligible to play for each franchise.