Fahmidul Islam, an Italian expatriate footballer, has returned to Bangladesh to join the national football team's squad ahead of a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against Singapore.
He arrived in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Rome, Italy, around 8:00 AM today, Wednesday (May 28).
Sources indicate that a Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) protocol officer was present at the airport to welcome him. After completing formalities, he was directly taken to the national team's hotel.
The BFF stated that several other national team players are expected to join the squad the day after tomorrow (May 30). However, Fahmidul's early return is seen by many as a testament to his eagerness and sense of responsibility.
The Bangladesh national football team returned home from a tour of Saudi Arabia during the last March window, but Fahmidul Islam, the Italy-based player, was not part of that squad. His exclusion drew strong criticism for national team coach Javier Cabrera.
Enraged fans even staged protest marches in various parts of the country demanding Fahmidul's re-inclusion in the team. The issue also created a significant stir on social media.
