The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) under the leadership of Tabith Awal has marked its first anniversary since the election on October 26, 2024. The executive committee, headed by President Tabith, held its 5th meeting at the BFF House to assess accomplishments and ongoing plans. Discussions included reforms to the BFF constitution, election policies, financial comparisons with Singapore, management of the Asian Cup qualifiers, and amendments to the U-15 tournament regulations. Amirul Islam Babu, Chairman of the BFF Media Committee, expressed gratitude for the media’s role in promoting the numerous tournaments held in the past year. The meeting primarily focused on constitutional and policy reforms, with limited time for pending initiatives.
Key Achievements in the First Year:
– Removed FIFA’s financial restrictions on BFF
– Secured sponsorships for the national team and kits
– Triumphed in the SAFF Women’s Championship
– Recognized with the AFC President’s Recognition Bronze Award for grassroots development
– Tabith Awal and Mahfuza Akter Kiron appointed to FIFA committees
– Introduced expatriate footballers to senior and U-23 teams
– Organized coaching sessions and FIFA talent development programs
– Reinstated two FIFA-funded artificial turfs
– Enhanced engagement on BFF social media platforms
– Conducted various football tournaments including U-14, U-15, beach, and indigenous tournaments
Other Notable Initiatives:
– Participation in international futsal and eFootball competitions
– Overseas training for senior, U-23, U-15, and U-17 teams
– Renewed contracts for women footballers
– Secured inaugural spots for women’s senior and U-20 teams in the Asian Cup
Pending Issues Requiring Immediate Attention:
– Delay in launching Dhaka lower-division and district football leagues
– Pending establishment of a women’s football league
– Non-disbursement of promised Tk 1.5 crore for the senior women’s team
– Unresolved cases of alleged betting, match-fixing, and manipulation
– Stagnant FIFA ranking of the senior national team (183 → 185, Oct 2024)
– Incomplete formation of BFF standing and ad-hoc committees
– Unreformed BFF constitution
– Ongoing crisis in playgrounds and infrastructure maintenance