New year, new challenges: Bangladesh athletes welcome 2026 with hope

As the world stepped into 2026, Bangladesh's leading sports figures struck a delicate balance between grief and grit, using the new year not merely for celebration, but for reflection, responsibility, and renewed ambition.

The mood was best captured by Bangladesh T20 captain Litton Das, who acknowledged the nation's pain following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and the passing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho and one of the frontliners of the July uprising.

"As the whole country stands in mourning, let us hope the days ahead bring peace, unity, and positivity for all," Litton wrote, praying for harmony and strength for the country while wishing everyone a "prosperous and meaningful year ahead." His words also came with the national team's next big test around the corner -- the T20 World Cup in February in India and Sri Lanka, where Bangladesh will look to turn sentiment into success.

Pacer Taskin Ahmed kept his message simple but uplifting, urging fans to begin the year with "positivity, inspiration, and happiness."

Opener Tanzid Tamim, however, used the occasion to remind people that celebration must come with conscience. In a reflective post, he spoke of how people chase fresh air yet poison it, worry about their own health but ignore patients suffering in hospitals because of noise, and talk endlessly while acting little. His new year wish was a prayer that people are given the chance "to truly become better."

Bangladesh football captain Jamal Bhuyan also looked ahead, bidding farewell to 2025 while wishing the very best for the people of the country as 2026 begins.

For the women footballers, the new year arrives with added meaning. Forward Ritu Porna Chakma, who was rewarded with one of the nation's highest civilian honours, Rokeya Padak, for her performances in 2025, wrote, "Thanks 2025! Let the new year begin with new challenge," a line that echoes the team's historic achievement last year. The team achieved a first-ever qualification for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, set to begin in March in Australia. 

In words shaped by loss, responsibility and ambition, Bangladesh's athletes welcomed 2026 with purpose and determination.