Bangladesh's football team will lock horns with Bhutan in a two-match series scheduled for September 5th and 8th in Thimphu. Despite commencing their training camp in Dhaka, the team will head to Bhutan directly. Meanwhile, the domestic football scene continues to be marred by uncertainty as several clubs express reluctance to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
The fixture against Bhutan was confirmed earlier this month, dispelling any hopes of hosting the matches domestically. Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) General Secretary Imran Hossain Tushar officially announced the away match schedule, stating, "We will travel to Bhutan to compete in two international matches during the FIFA window on September 5th and 8th. While we initially sought to organize these games in Bangladesh, Bhutan's request led us to agree to play there."
The national team is set to depart Dhaka on August 30th. However, the domestic football landscape has been impacted by recent political developments. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Sheikh Russell Sports Club have remained steadfast in their decision not to participate in the current BPL season. Chittagong Abahani has already withdrawn from the league, while Brothers Union narrowly avoided relegation due to the cancellation of last season's demotions. Only three of the nine surviving clubs have submitted their player lists to the federation.
Tushar expressed concerns about the potential challenges posed by clubs' reluctance to participate, stating, "If any club chooses not to play, it becomes quite difficult for us. We have extended all possible support to them from the government, but they seem unable to compete due to difficulties in securing sponsors."
In contrast to the men's league, women's football has shown signs of activity. The national women's football team returned to the BFF camp on Thursday after a 12-day break.
