Bangladesh’s search for footballing talent among its diaspora is continuing, with another promising player raised in England set to join the country’s youth national team set-up.
Following the international emergence of players such as Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is now working to bring 18-year-old winger Adam Abbas into the under-20 squad. The immediate objective is to build a stronger side for the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup qualifying campaign.
The development was confirmed on Monday by Naser Shahriar Zahedi, vice-president of the BFF and chairman of its Development Committee, after a meeting at the federation’s headquarters.
Zahedi said Abbas was expected to arrive in Bangladesh within four to five days and join the national under-20 team’s preparation camp. His inclusion would give the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the young winger’s ability and determine how he can fit into the squad’s plans for the upcoming qualifying campaign.
Abbas has Bangladeshi roots through his mother’s side. His mother was born in Brahmanbaria, giving the England-raised footballer a direct family connection to Bangladesh.
His football education has largely taken place in England. Abbas began his development at the Manchester United youth academy before later joining Burnley’s Under-18 side. Training within the youth structures of two well-known English clubs has provided him with exposure to a highly competitive football environment from an early age.
The young winger is regarded as a player with several qualities that could make him a useful addition to Bangladesh’s youth set-up. His pace, ability to take on defenders and natural instinct in front of goal are considered among his main strengths. Those attributes have helped establish his reputation as an exciting attacking prospect.
For Bangladesh, the move represents another attempt to widen the pool of players available to its national teams by exploring talent with Bangladeshi heritage overseas. The country’s football authorities have increasingly looked towards the diaspora as they seek players who have been developed within more established football systems.
The immediate focus, however, remains on the under-20 team. The AFC Under-20 Asian Cup qualifying campaign will provide an important test for the young squad, and the federation is keen to assemble the strongest group of eligible players available.
Abbas’s arrival could add another attacking option to the team, although his eventual involvement in competitive matches will depend on the assessment of the coaching staff and the relevant eligibility and selection processes.
At just 18, Abbas remains at an early stage of his career. His transition into the Bangladesh set-up will therefore be watched with interest, particularly to see how quickly he adapts to a new football environment and develops an understanding with his potential international team-mates.
His potential arrival also highlights the growing importance of expatriate players in Bangladesh’s football plans. Hamza Choudhury’s presence has already generated considerable excitement around the national team, while Shamit Shome has also added to the visibility of players with Bangladeshi heritage developing abroad.
If Abbas can establish himself in the under-20 squad and fulfil his potential, he could become another promising link between Bangladesh and the wider footballing talent pool overseas. For now, the first step is his expected arrival in the country and participation in the national team’s preparation camp.
