Dastagir Hossain Nira. Photo : Collected

KHULNA, Jan 4, 2026 (BSS) – Dastagir Hossain Nira, a familiar face in the country’s football arena, former Bangladesh national team footballer and seasoned coach, passed away on Saturday (yesterday) evening. 

He was 62.

Nira breathed his last around 6:30 pm at a hospital in Khulna. Family members said that after offering Maghrib prayers, he was playing in the field with Khulna Mohammedan Club, where he was providing post-injury physiotherapy to two senior footballers. 

While attending to a player, he suddenly felt severe chest pain. He was rushed home and later taken to City Medical College Hospital as his condition deteriorated. 

On-duty doctors at the emergency department declared him dead. According to preliminary medical assessment, he suffered a heart attack.

Nira began his football career with Khulna Young Muslim Club and went on to enjoy a distinguished playing career. He represented top clubs including Dhaka Abahani, Khulna Abahani and Khulna Muslim Club for a long time as a defender. His consistent performances earned him a place in the national team.

After retiring from competitive football, he established himself as a football organiser and coach.

He was an AFC ‘A’ licence holder and served as coach of the Khulna district team. He also ran his own football academy. 

At the time of his death, he was serving as vice-president of Khulna Sonali Atit Club.

In his personal life, Nira is survived by a son. His janaza was held after Zohr prayers on Sunday and he was buried in a local graveyard.

His sudden death has cast a pall of gloom over the sports community in Khulna as well as the country’s football fraternity.