Mohammad Assaduzzaman Faruque, Sports Reporter & Columnist

With the recent resurgence of football in Bangladesh, a coordinated approach is crucial to ensure sustainable growth. Development should focus on infrastructure, planning, opportunities, and professionalism. The key priorities are:
A) Infrastructure Development: Standard stadiums and training centers in every division and district.Modern gyms, medical, and recovery facilities.Regular training access at age-group academies.
B) Grassroots and Age-Group Leagues regularly arrange U-13, U-15 and U-17 aged. School, college, and university-level competitions tournaments. Local talent identification programs.
C) Coaching and Technical Expertise: Opportunities for local coaches to earn international licenses (AFC/UEFA).Development of local coaches with foreign mentorship. Appointment of professional fitness coaches, goalkeeping coaches, and technical directors.
D) Strengthening Professional Leagues: Regular and high-quality Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Championship League. Financial and administrative transparency in clubs. Competitive rules for foreign player and coach recruitment.
E) Administration and Policy: Long-term (10+ years) strategic planning by the BFF. Policy-driven rather than election-driven football management. Enhanced corporate sponsorship and media coverage.
F) International Exposure: Participation in SAFF, Asian Games, AFC Cup, and other tournaments. Regular FIFA-friendly matches. Opportunities for players in foreign leagues.
G) Player Development and Professionalism: Support in fitness, nutrition, and psychological training. Professional management of contracts, salaries, and career planning. Pathways for retired players into coaching or administration.

Remarks: For Bangladesh to achieve sustainable football growth, priority must be given to grassroots development, age-group structures, coaching excellence, professional leagues, infrastructure, and long-term strategic planning.

To be continued…