Dhaka comes alive for Bangladesh-India showdown

The last few days in Dhaka had been eerily quiet. By late afternoon, most streets had emptied, as fear of unrest loomed over the impending International Crimes Tribunal's verdict of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Tuesday, however, brought a different Dhaka altogether -- busy and buzzing, with car horns blaring and motorbikes weaving through traffic -- as if the city had suddenly sprung back to life. The reason: the Bangladesh football team's battle of pride against neighbours India in an AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture.

All roads seemed to lead to the National Stadium in Motijheel for the 8:00 pm kick-off, causing long tailbacks stretching like clogged arteries across the city. Yet, the journey felt worthwhile for many, as thousands headed to the same destination with the same hope: to see their newly rediscovered love for football culminate in a happy ending, at least for one night.

People arrived from every corner of the city -- perhaps from beyond it too -- and from all walks of life.

Pallab, a private job holder from Kalyanpur, said he came straight from his office in Uttara. He had returned to watching football after decades.

"I used to watch football when I was young. After that, from the 1998 Mini World Cup onwards, I consistently followed cricket -- whether at the Mirpur Stadium or the National Stadium. Since 2025, I've started watching football again," Pallab said.

For others, this particular match held meaning beyond football.

"This is the first qualifier match I've come to watch. Since it's a game against India, the vibe is different for various reasons, including political ones. I hope we win this time," said Hanif, a tradesman from Mohammadpur.

Hamza Choudhury, the poster boy of Bangladesh football, was the centre of attention. Placards, banners, tifos and jerseys bearing the name of the Leicester City midfielder flooded the streets around the venue and filled the stands, where a capacity crowd waited with bated breath for the match often dubbed the South Asian Clasico.

A section of the Bangladesh supporters at the National Stadium on November 18, 2025. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Players like Hamza and Shamit Shome have become household names across Bangladesh despite remaining physically distant, appearing here only when the national team plays. Fans like Masud and his in-laws were determined not to miss their presence.

"I've come to watch the match with my father-in-law and his friend. I watched the Hong Kong match earlier -- that time I came with my child. Before that, the last time I watched a match was in my childhood, maybe 20–25 years ago -- Mohammedan vs Brothers. I've come after so long mainly because of Hamza and Shamit," said Masud, a job-holder from Malibagh.

Bangladesh's recent performances against India and other stronger teams, combined with the influx of overseas-based footballers over the past year, have raised public expectations despite the team's modest global ranking. It is now up to the team -- and the football federation -- to nurture this renewed affection for the sport and turn it into a lasting love affair.