A unique trial program for expatriate footballers, organised by the Bangladesh Football Federation, concluded Monday at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
The three-day trial featured a total of 49 players of Bangladeshi origin, hailing from a dozen countries, primarily in Europe and North America.
Nabil Nasir, a US-based winger, said he was inspired by Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome to take part in the BFF trials.
Hamza, in particular, was the name most frequently mentioned by the players.
According to BFF sources, interest among expatriate players surged after Hamza made his debut for Bangladesh against India last March.
The inclusion of Shamit from Canada and Fahamedul Islam from Italy in the Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on June 10 further fueled the enthusiasm.
Some players contacted BFF directly, others through agents or co-ordinators.
All of them traveled to Bangladesh at their own expense to participate in the trial.
The participants were divided into two age groups - under-19 and over-19.
On the first two days, each group showcased their skills in separate sessions - one in the morning, the other in the afternoon.
On the final day, two 60-minute matches were held, one for each age category, in front of hundreds of spectators.
Friends and relatives of the players were also present in the stands.
The trial was overseen by BFF’s technical director, Saiful Bari Titu.
A performance evaluation panel was formed, comprising Titu and coaches such as Golam Rabbani Choton, Alfaz Ahmed, Julfiker Mahmud Mintu, Saeed Hasan Kanon, and Mahbub Hossain Roksy.
Bangladesh national men’s team head coach Javier Cabrera also attended as an observer.
A BFF official and coach, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Dhaka Tribune that while none of the trialists appeared ready for immediate inclusion in the senior national team, three–four players showed potential to join the national youth squads.