No longer the underdog: Tabith says Bangladesh showing its mettle to all nations

Bangladesh is experiencing a historic surge in international football, particularly in women’s football, with a packed calendar of tournaments and impressive results. From Asian Cup qualifiers to SAFF championships, the country is competing across multiple age groups and categories – both at home and abroad. In this exclusive interview with Jago News’ Special Correspondent Rafiqul Islam, BFF President Tabith Awal discusses the challenges, achievements, and future of Bangladeshi football.

Jago News: This year is packed with international football fixtures. There’s barely time to catch your breath. Do you feel any pressure?

Tabith Awal: Yes, there are many national and age-group international tournaments this year. But there’s no pressure – because this wasn’t sudden. We knew the schedule well in advance and planned accordingly.

Jago News: Bangladesh have seven Asian Cup qualifiers to play this year alone. That’s a lot of matches, and most of them are being played abroad.

Tabith Awal: That’s correct. We have seven Asian Cup qualifiers in total. One is already complete – the women’s senior team has successfully qualified for the final round. Six more qualifiers remain.

Jago News: Which qualifiers are still ongoing?

Tabith Awal: Our women’s U-20 team is currently competing in the Asian Cup qualifiers in Laos. They’ve already won two matches and are in a strong position to qualify. The men’s senior team has played two of their qualifiers, with four remaining. In addition, we have upcoming qualifiers for the U-23 Asian Cup, U-17 boys and girls Asian Cups, and the Futsal Asian Championship.

Jago News: Beyond the Asian Cup, SAFF has several tournaments this year as well?

Tabith Awal: Yes. We recently won the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship. Upcoming events include the SAFF U-19 Boys Championship, and the U-17 boys and girls championships.

Jago News: So, that’s 11 international tournaments in total – across both AFC and SAFF. Almost 50 matches, with only nine played at home. It’s a massive undertaking. And it must be costly. How are you managing financially?

Tabith Awal: Yes, it’s expensive. We do require government support, particularly in financial matters. However, we’re not in crisis – we’re managing everything according to plan.

Jago News: You mentioned needing government support. What kind of support are you referring to?

Tabith Awal: We need support in every area, but what we’re lacking most is technical support. With so many teams competing simultaneously, we don’t have enough technical staff, analysts, or logistical expertise. That’s where we’re facing a real challenge.

Jago News: If the women’s U-20 team draws against South Korea on 10 August, Bangladesh will qualify for another Asian Cup final. How optimistic are you?

Tabith Awal: Our girls are playing very well. We’re staying focused and will wait until the final whistle of the last match.

Jago News: If the U-20 women do qualify, you’ll need to prepare two teams for the final rounds. That’s a big responsibility.

Tabith Awal: First, let me say – it’s not my responsibility, it’s ours! You’re part of this football journey too. We all have to work together.

Jago News: How do you plan to prepare two teams if both qualify? It would be difficult for one coach to handle both, wouldn’t it?

Tabith Awal: Under the leadership of Peter Butler, we will form two dedicated technical teams – one for boys and one for girls. We’ll have separate coaching staffs for the senior national teams and the age-group teams. With so many international competitions now, we need a more structured and specialised approach.

Jago News: The senior women’s team is currently seeking opponents for friendly matches. If the U-20 team qualifies, they’ll need friendlies too.

Tabith Awal: I’ll make sure that happens. But the good news is, as our rankings improve, so do our opportunities.

Jago News: How so?

Tabith Awal: In the past, many countries didn’t want to play against us because we were low-ranked. We had to struggle to find opponents. Now, after a 24-place jump in the FIFA rankings, teams are more willing to face us. Some may even invite us to participate in their tournaments.

Jago News: Despite many limitations, success is coming – especially in women’s football. Are you happy with how things are going? Are you lucky – or a magician?

Tabith Awal: I’m nothing. The real credit goes to the players. If you give them a chance, they can deliver. You may remember, after returning from Myanmar, Rituparna said: “If you give us opportunities, we can give something better for the country.” That’s exactly it. Provide the opportunity, and they will perform.

Jago News: The success in women’s football is earning Bangladesh respect globally. What’s your take on that?

Tabith Awal: Absolutely. We’re showing every country that Bangladesh is no longer an underdog. We’re competing, we’re winning, and we’re being noticed.

Jago News: Thank you.

Tabith Awal: Thank you too.