Swadhin Bangla Football Team captain Zakaria Pintu breathed his last during treatment at a hospital in Dhaka Monday. He was 81.
Bangladesh Football Federation confirmed the passing of Pintu through a press release.
The legendary Bangladesh footballer was admitted at Dhanmondi 15/A's Ibn Sina Hospital and soon shifted to the CCU, Swadhin Bangla Football Team's vice-captain Pratap Shankar Hazra told Dhaka Tribune.
Pintu’s only son Mostafizur Rahman Tanvir, 55, was found at the hospital’s lawn.
“My father became ill two-three days ago. He was suffering from cardiac issues. We admitted him at the hospital Sunday. He left us after cardiac arrest,” said Tanvir.
Pintu was born in Naogaon on January 1, 1943.
He served as captain of most of the teams he played for during his playing career.
He was also popular as a defender.
He led his school and college football teams and turned out for East Pakistan football team before captaining the Swadhin Bangla Football Team, formed during the Liberation War of 1971 to raise funds and awareness.
Pintu came to be known mostly for his role as skipper of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.
He also captained Bangladesh’s first international football match after independence, during the 19th Merdeka Cup 1973 held in Malaysia.
He was also coach and manager of Bangladesh football team after his retirement.
His league career kicked off at East End Club in 1957.
He moved to Dhaka Wanderers in 1959 and became league champion the following year.
Pintu joined Mohammedan Sporting Club in 1961 and continued playing for the Black and Whites until hanging up his boots in 1975.
He was the captain of Mohammedan during his last seven years at the traditional powerhouse.
He received National Sports Award in 1978 and Independence Award in 1995.
The football federation, alongside the archery federation, volleyball federation, Mohammedan and Abahani Krira Chakra, expressed deep condolence at the passing of the respected Swadhin Bangla Football Team captain.
Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruk Ahmed paid tribute to the legendary footballer: “The sports fraternity of Bangladesh will always remember Zakaria Pintu’s name, especially for his contribution during the Liberation War. He was a shining example of patriotism through sports, raising awareness and understanding internationally of the fight for freedom. On behalf of the BCB, I extend our condolences and sympathies to the family of Zakaria Pintu.”
