Hamza Chowdhury Poised for Bangladesh Debut
Bangladeshi-born English footballer Hamza Chowdhury is on the brink of making his long-anticipated debut for the Bangladesh national team, known for their red and green colors. The Leicester City midfielder has successfully obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Football Association (FA) and is now awaiting final approval from FIFA’s players’ status committee.
Emran Hossain Tushar, the general secretary of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), provided an optimistic update on Hamza’s status, indicating that the approval is expected to be granted within the next month. “Hamza has received his Bangladeshi passport. The FA has issued the NOC, and we’ve submitted it to FIFA. The players’ status committee will give the final approval,” Tushar stated during a press conference on Tuesday.
He further elaborated, “If everything goes smoothly, we anticipate approval from the committee within a month, allowing him to participate in the national team during the November international window.”
Hamza Chowdhury, who has made a name for himself in the English Premier League with Leicester City, received his Bangladeshi passport in August, paving the way for his representation of Bangladesh on the international stage. The passport was collected on his behalf by his mother, Rafia Chowdhury, from the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
This development marks a significant moment for both Hamza and the Bangladesh national team, as they look to strengthen their squad with talented players from the diaspora. The addition of Chowdhury is seen as a boost for the team, especially in upcoming matches that could shape their future in international competitions.
As the football community eagerly awaits the committee’s decision, Hamza’s potential debut is generating excitement among fans and players alike. His journey from England to the Bangladesh national team reflects the growing ties between the two nations and highlights the importance of international representation in football.
Chowdhury’s commitment to representing Bangladesh demonstrates his pride in his heritage and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of football in the country. As preparations continue for the November window, the BFF is hopeful that Hamza will be able to don the national colors and make an impact on the pitch.
With a promising career ahead of him, Hamza Chowdhury’s debut could serve as a catalyst for further engagement of players with Bangladeshi roots in international football, setting a precedent for future generations. As the football world watches closely, the forthcoming approval from FIFA will be a crucial step in realizing this dream for Hamza and his supporters.