#StandWithFahmidul: Fans Protest Fahmidul’s Exclusion from National Football Squad
Despite scoring a hat-trick during training with the team in Saudi Arabia, Italy-based young footballer Fahmidul Islam has not been included in the Bangladesh national football squad. In response, Bangladesh football supporters have launched a social media campaign using the hashtag #StandWithFahmidul, protesting his exclusion. They claim that although Fahmidul is deserving, he was unfairly left out of the squad.
On Wednesday, fans announced a new demonstration, planning to gather at Shahbagh at 11:00 AM. At 1:00 PM, Bangladesh’s head coach Javier Cabrera is scheduled to hold a press conference regarding the national team. Protesters have demanded that he provide a clear justification for Fahmidul’s exclusion.
The protesting supporters allege that the coach has been influenced by a syndicate and must disclose this to the media if true. They also believe that Fahmidul has been subjected to unfair treatment, calling for an investigation committee to be formed and those responsible to be held accountable. If their demands are not addressed at the press conference, they have warned of plans to surround the team bus in protest.
Football enthusiasts had been hopeful about the inclusion of two expatriate footballers in the Bangladesh squad, one of whom was Hamza Choudhury, who has already joined the team. However, Fahmidul was sent back to Italy from the training camp.
Head coach Javier Cabrera justified the decision upon his return from Saudi Arabia, stating, “Fahmidul did not come to Dhaka. He was with us in the Saudi camp for a week. He is a talented player but needs more time.”
Supporters, however, remain unconvinced, pointing out that Cabrera himself had scouted Fahmidul, a player from Italy’s fourth-division league, and invited him to the Saudi camp. During training, the 18-year-old forward even scored a hat-trick. His exclusion has deeply disappointed fans.
In protest, various football fan clubs have gathered in front of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) headquarters. Frustrated supporters claim that a powerful syndicate within Bangladesh football is responsible for Fahmidul’s omission. Criticism has also surged across Facebook, with Bangladesh Football Ultras and general football enthusiasts announcing a demonstration titled "Long March to BFF" at 5:00 PM on Tuesday in front of the federation building.
