Tabith Awal highlights football’s potential to build Bangladesh’s global identity at Raipura orphan support programme. Photo : BSS

NARSINGDI, May 20, 2026 (BSS) - Tabith Awal, President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), has said that Bangladesh aims to establish a strong global identity through football in the coming years.

Speaking at a football and school bag distribution programme for orphaned children in Raipura upazila of the district on Wednesday, Tabith Awal said the federation has undertaken a major plan to expand football across the country.

He said that football has been included as one of the four compulsory sports from fourth grade in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. “Bangladesh is already known worldwide for its garment industry and resilience during disasters. In the future, the world will also know Bangladesh through football,” he said.

The BFF president also highlighted Bangladesh’s strong football fan base, particularly its large following of Argentina football supporters, adding that football could serve as an ambassador for the country on the global stage.

Regarding the national team’s preparations, Tabith Awal expressed optimism that an agreement with a new coach would be finalized soon and hoped the coach would join before the start of the upcoming training camp.

He made the remarks as the main speaker at the first phase of the Football Festival organized by the Orphan Love Foundation at Nayachar Sirajnagar Ummulkura Madrasa in Raipura.

Member of Parliament for Narsingdi-5 (Raipura), Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bakul, attended the programme as the chief guest.

More than 500 orphan students of the madrasa received footballs and school bags with support from City Bank. Local dignitaries and political leaders were also present at the event.