The Bangladesh national football team have officially begun their preparatory camp ahead of their upcoming international fixtures — a friendly against Nepal on 13 November and the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India on 18 November. Both matches will be held on home soil, with Bangladesh looking to make a strong impression in front of their fans.
Camp Begins Amid Excitement and Absences
The training camp, which starts today in Dhaka, will initially feature locally based and early-arriving players. However, Hamza Chowdhury, one of Bangladesh’s key midfielders, will join the camp at a later date due to club commitments in England.
Team manager Amer Khan confirmed the details of Hamza’s travel schedule:
“Hamza’s club, Leicester City, will play their Premier League fixture against Norwich City on 8 November. After that match, he will depart for Bangladesh. We expect him to arrive in Dhaka by 9 November.”
The midfielder’s participation is eagerly anticipated, as his presence adds much-needed composure and experience to Bangladesh’s midfield.
Coach Javier Cabrera Set to Return
National team head coach Javier Cabrera is currently in Spain but is expected to rejoin the camp shortly. He will oversee the team’s preparation, focusing particularly on players who recently participated in the Hong Kong vs. China international fixture.
Player Availability and Selection Updates
There have been a few complications in player availability ahead of the qualifiers. Fahamidul Islam, who received yellow cards in both of Bangladesh’s previous AFC qualifying matches, will be suspended for the India game. However, he will be eligible to play in the friendly against Nepal. Fahamidul, currently representing Olbia FC in Italy’s fourth tier, is expected to feature prominently in that warm-up match.
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over the participation of Shomit Som, who plays for Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League. His club has a fixture on 3 November, which will be his final appearance before the international break. His inclusion in the national squad will depend on travel logistics and recovery time following that match.
Upcoming Fixtures and Key Dates
| Fixture | Date | Venue | Player Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh vs. Nepal (Friendly) | 13 November | Dhaka | Preparation match before qualifier |
| Bangladesh vs. India (AFC Asian Cup Qualifier) | 18 November | Dhaka | Fahamidul suspended; Hamza to play |
The camp marks a crucial phase in Bangladesh’s preparation as they aim to build momentum and tactical cohesion before facing regional rivals India — a match that promises to test the team’s resolve and progress under Cabrera’s management.