Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan believes that the arrival of Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury has brought more than just top-flight experience — it has sparked belief throughout the national squad.

According to the long-serving captain, the most notable transformation since Hamza's arrival has been a dramatic rise in team confidence.

"The dressing room has stayed the same — one person can't change another — but the confidence level, from what I've seen, has gone up from 50 percent to 90 percent," Jamal said in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman and Atique Anam.

That quiet boost in morale could be the key to unlocking a new chapter in Bangladesh football. And at the center of this evolution stands Jamal — the country's most-capped player — now witnessing his legacy grow with the emergence of talents like Hamza, who boasts English Premier League experience following his stint with Leicester City.

Despite finding himself increasingly on the fringes of the starting eleven — most recently left out against India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers — Jamal is not focused on personal setbacks. Instead, he is embracing the bigger picture.

"Of course, I feel proud that Hamza came here to represent Bangladesh following in my footsteps," he said. "Even when Tariq [Kazi] made his debut, I told him I was proud. Now Hamza playing for Bangladesh is a positive thing — he's two or three levels above us, and that's an inspiration even for me."

The bond between the two midfielders has also grown off the pitch.

"Hamza is a very humble person who doesn't talk much — he's very quiet. After coming back to Bangladesh from India, Hamza and his family visited my home in Dhaka. The next day he left for England, and I went to Denmark," Jamal shared.

Amid rising speculation that Hamza's presence could mark the twilight of Jamal's playing career, the veteran midfielder was quick to clarify his stance.

"If you look back, under Javier Cabrera, I've never played in the same position where Hamza featured against India. I've been used as a right midfielder, left midfielder, or even in the No. 10 role. But I've played in Hamza and Ridoy's positions before, so I don't think my place is under threat."

As one chapter of Bangladeshi football blends into the next, Jamal Bhuiyan remains the bridge — proud of the past, supportive of the present, and optimistic about the future.