Grassroots development requires better training and infrastructure: Tabith Awal

Tabith Awal, a prominent businessman and active member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was a key figure in the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), serving two terms as vice president in 2012 and 2016.

In the BFF elections held on Saturday, Tabith decisively defeated AFM grassroots organizer Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, getting 123 votes to Mizanur’s 5. The results were announced by Chief Election Commissioner Mejbah Uddin Ahmed around 6:30 p.m.

With this victory, Tabith Awal succeeded Kazi Salahuddin, ending his 16-year “reign” as BFF president. The election saw 128 of 133 councilors vote, with Tabith now set to lead the BFF for a four-year term. This election marks a significant change in leadership, bringing to the fore Tabith’s experience and commitment to the development of football in Bangladesh.

In an exclusive interview with The Business Standard earlier this month, Tabith Awal discussed the state of domestic football, the challenges of the Kazi Salahuddin era, grassroots development, reliance on foreign players and his vision for the future of Bangladeshi football.

Could you start by telling us how your passion for football started?

Football has always been part of my life. My passion for the game started during my school days, where I played regularly. However, it really took off when Mr. Piaru, who was working at Dhanmondi Club at the time, saw me perform. He recruited me to the team, which at the time was competing in Division 1. That’s where my playing career began, and my passion for football only grew from there.

Any highlights from your footballing journey that stand out for you?

One of the most important moments was receiving a football scholarship that allowed me to pursue higher studies at George Washington University in the United States. In terms of memorable matches, I will never forget playing for Fokirapool Young Men against Sheikh Russel Football Club in 2004. We were underdogs in the game but scored the decisive goal in our 1-0 win. That moment remains one of the proudest in football.

In the era of Kazi Salahuddin, in what areas do you think there has been a lack of improvement in Bangladeshi football?

A major setback was our decline in the FIFA rankings. We missed opportunities to reach the finals of SAFF tournaments and I think if we had performed better in those tournaments, our international ranking would not have suffered so much. We need to go beyond regional recognition and make our mark globally. For that, we need new leaders and fresh ideas to meet this challenge, be it me or someone else.

What improvements do you think are needed internally?

At the grassroots level, football needs to be more active, with ongoing district and age-level tournaments. We also need better development coaches for young players. At the moment many of our players are not technically good and this is a direct result of not having the right guidance. In addition to training, our infrastructure such as playing fields, proper equipment and medical support for players needs serious attention.

If you become the next chairman of the board, what are your goals for Bangladesh football?

I have several goals. One of the most important is to host more matches outside Dhaka, be it Premier League or national team matches. This would help increase the passion for football in areas outside the capital. I also want to raise the standard of the lower leagues as I mentioned before. Overall, my aim is to improve football at every level in Bangladesh.

Do you think there is an over-reliance on foreign players in domestic football?

I wouldn’t say that. In fact, playing alongside foreign players can help our local players improve. When they face international competition, they have to be able to compete at that level. If our players are good enough, they will naturally earn their places in the team, even against foreign players.

What do you think about players like Hamza Chowdhury who have roots from Bangladesh joining the national team?

I fully support it. In fact, our current captain, Jamal Bhuiyan, was recruited from Denmark during my tenure as BFF Vice President. Players like Hamza, with their experience abroad, bring another level of skill and professionalism to the team. This can only be beneficial for Bangladesh football.

Do you think recruiting players of Bangladeshi origin from abroad is a sustainable approach for the national team?

Absolute. With so many Bangladeshis living abroad, there is a wealth of talent we can tap into. These players can bring not only their skills but also their experience to help develop local players. I think Hamza will play a big role in this and there are many more players with Bangladeshi roots who could contribute. If we create the right project, we can encourage them to play for Bangladesh.

You had a chance to be nominated as an advisor. Why didn’t you take that route?

I have my own principles when it comes to football. If I had become a councilor and later won the election to become the chairman of the board, a bias towards that club might have developed. To avoid this and to maintain ethical standards, I decided not to follow the counsellor’s path.

If you become the next chairman of the board, what are your goals for Bangladesh football?

I have several goals. One of the most important is to host more matches outside Dhaka, be it Premier League or national team matches. This would help increase the passion for football in areas outside the capital. I also want to raise the standard of the lower leagues as I mentioned before. Overall, my aim is to improve football at every level in Bangladesh.