The squad combines established international players, emerging talent and footballers from the Bangladeshi diaspora as the national team prepares for the regional competition. Bangladesh have already begun preparations, with the coaching staff expected to assess the players before finalising the squad for the tournament.
The SAFF Championship is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Dhaka from 5 to 17 November. Playing on home soil will give Bangladesh an opportunity to compete in familiar surroundings, although their prospects will depend on the squad’s readiness, tactical organisation and ability to perform consistently against regional rivals.
Two expatriate players, Mahi Khan and Ronan Benjamin Sullivan, are among the new faces in the preliminary selection. Their inclusion gives the coaching staff additional options as it evaluates the team’s composition ahead of the tournament.
Defender Tapu Barman has also returned to the preliminary squad after missing the final selection for the previous ASEAN Cup campaign because of injury. His return could provide another option in defence, subject to his fitness and readiness for competitive football.
Meanwhile, two other footballers, Mohammad Ishak Akand and Mohammad Asif, have been given the opportunity to join the national team’s training camp. Neither has been included in the official 28-man preliminary squad, however.
Hamza’s inclusion is likely to attract particular attention because of his experience in English football. Shamit Shome and Jamal Bhuiyan also bring international experience to the group, while Farhan Ali Wahid is another player expected to be assessed as preparations continue.
For Bangladesh, assembling a balanced squad will be only the first step. The coaching staff will need to establish effective partnerships across the pitch, ensure defensive discipline and improve the team’s ability to turn possession into scoring opportunities. The preliminary camp will provide an opportunity to assess individual form, fitness and compatibility before the final selection.
With the tournament taking place in Dhaka, expectations among supporters will be high. The challenge will be to translate home advantage into strong performances against South Asian opponents. The final squad and the team’s preparation in the coming days will offer a clearer indication of Bangladesh’s prospects.
Bangladesh’s Preliminary Squad
Goalkeepers and defenders: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Srabon, Tapu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Md Saad Uddin, Rahmat Mia, Zidan Alexander Yusuf, Md Isa Faisal, Tariq Raihan Kazi and Jayan Ahmed.
Midfielders and forwards: Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Md Hridoy, Hamza Dewan Choudhury, Shamit Shome, Syed Kazem Kirmani Shah, Jamal Bhuiyan, Farhan Ali Wahid, Sheikh Morsalin, Rakib Hossain, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Fahmidul Islam, Md Mahi Khan, Mohammad Ibrahim, Suki Itofusa, Minhajul Karim Swadhin and Ronan Benjamin Sullivan.
The squad list supplied contains 28 names, although the division above is a general grouping rather than an officially confirmed positional breakdown. The final selection will determine which players travel forward into the tournament campaign.
