The National Sports Council has issued instructions to bring talented expatriate athletes under the country’s flag.
Following Hamza Chowdhury’s experience in the English Premier League and his decision to wear the Bangladesh jersey, calls have started rising for the inclusion of expatriate athletes. Many people on social media are urging the national authorities to bring these athletes home. In this context, the National Sports Council (NSC) has urged federations to take proactive steps.
In a notification, the NSC has instructed the inclusion of Bangladeshi-origin athletes residing in various countries who have excelled in their respective fields, to be included in the Bangladesh national team.
The notification specifically mentions the involvement of Hamza, the British-born footballer of Bangladeshi descent, in the upcoming match against India in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Recently, there have also been discussions regarding another expatriate footballer, Samit Som, and his potential to play for Bangladesh. The notification also mentions efforts to grant a Bangladeshi passport to American-born gymnast Jack Ashikul Islam, who has Bangladeshi roots.
These matters have been described as “highly urgent,” with instructions given to all national sports organizations to take necessary action.
