What the BFF conveyed to the FIFA President during his stopover in Dhaka

Gianni Infantino, President of the world football governing body, made a stopover of nearly two hours in Dhaka while en route from Morocco to Bhutan. During this time, Tabith Awal, President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), met with the FIFA President at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Following the meeting, BFF President Tabith Awal stated, "During this two-hour transit, a delegation from the Bangladesh Football Federation had the opportunity to speak with him. He also left a video message addressed to Bangladesh. Overall, the meeting took place in a very positive atmosphere."

He added, "Our discussion primarily focused on how Bangladesh can further collaborate with FIFA in the future. The FIFA President inquired about our experience at the ASEAN Cup and asked whether Bangladesh would participate if similar tournaments were organized."

The BFF President noted, "We aspire to play in more European countries. We also discussed ways to make the 'FIFA window' more flexible, allowing teams from different confederations to compete against one another."

Tabith Awal further mentioned, "We discussed the funds under the 'FIFA Forward' program that have yet to be utilized. The relevant projects are currently in the preparation phase. Once these initiatives gain momentum, the FIFA President intends to visit Bangladesh officially to inaugurate them."

The BFF President remains optimistic about a future visit by the FIFA President to Bangladesh. He remarked, "Once work commences on our technical center, the hybrid pitch in Sylhet, or the renovation and floodlight installation at two of our stadiums, there will be a compelling reason for the FIFA President to visit Bangladesh. He is ready to come at any time."

He also added, "We shared our plans to power the stadium lighting systems using solar energy and other renewable energy sources." "Additionally, I mentioned the initiative to make sports mandatory in schools starting from the fourth grade. The FIFA President was very excited about these developments."

Tabith also clarified that there was no discussion regarding the FIFA presidential election or any political matters. He stated, "We did not discuss the election or any political issues; our conversation focused primarily on football development. We are waiting to see who submits their nominations for the FIFA presidency by November 18. Only then might we be in a position to determine or announce our stance."

When asked about the level of importance FIFA places on football in Bangladesh, Tabith replied, "Honestly, I believe that football in Bangladesh has been given significant priority. I am confident that the information he is taking back—based on his first-hand observations—will leave him impressed by the progress we have made."

The BFF (Bangladesh Football Federation) President also expressed an expectation for further support from FIFA, noting, "We hope to receive additional assistance from FIFA, as a real sense of excitement has now been generated."

The BFF President added, "Bangladesh participates in every FIFA event. This serves as proof to FIFA that the Bangladesh Football Federation is extremely serious, and that the government of Bangladesh is deeply passionate about football."