Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma has proven himself time and again between the posts. Most recently, he shone in the Bangladesh Premier League for Abahani Limited, keeping nine clean sheets in 15 matches. His impressive form earned him the trust of head coach Javier Cabrera for the friendly matches against Bhutan and Singapore.
On 4 June, Bangladesh defeated Bhutan at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka. However, just two days later, as he prepared to face Singapore, Mitul received devastating news — his elder brother had passed away. Despite the tragedy, he chose to remain with the national team, turning down the offer from team management to return to his family home in Rangamati for the funeral.
In the match against Singapore on 6 June, Mitul conceded two goals in a 2–1 defeat. While he made a couple of outstanding saves during the game, he took the loss to heart and blamed himself. “Even in the sorrow of losing my brother, I focused on giving my best for the country,” he wrote on Facebook. “I tried to make a contribution in the match, but I failed. I am sorry and I ask for forgiveness. It was a truly difficult time for me. Please forgive me for my mistakes.”
Reflecting on his personal tragedy, Mitul shared: “The most heartbreaking moments of my life have had a huge impact on me. I’ve had to face things that shattered my heart. When my elder brother passed away recently, it deeply saddened me.”
Bangladesh’s next assignment in the Asian Cup qualifiers is in October, with back-to-back fixtures against Hong Kong — at home on 9 October and away on 14 October. Mitul is determined to come back stronger: “Believe in me. I will return even stronger.”