Bangladesh’s sporting figures stepped away from the field and headed to polling centres on Thursday as the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum began at 7:30am. A festive and calm mood marked the day across the country. From Dhaka to Faridpur and Satkhira, athletes, coaches and officials joined long queues to cast their votes.
For many, it was their first vote. For others, it was a chance to demand change in the sports sector.
National team footballer Sheikh Morsalin travelled to Faridpur to cast his first ever vote. A voter in the Faridpur 4 constituency, he voted at Adarsha Secondary High School. He praised the peaceful setting.
“I am voting for the first time, so there is extra excitement. I want a government that works for the country. Since 5 August 2024 our clubs have gone through a crisis and footballers have suffered. We need a sports minister who will actively solve these problems,” he said.
Youth Hockey World Cup top scorer Amirul Islam also voted for the first time in Faridpur 3. The national hockey team is preparing for the Asian Games qualifiers. The federation paused the camp so players and coaches could return home to vote. The decision allowed them to fulfil both national and sporting duties.
However, many women footballers could not vote. The final round of the Women’s Football League will be held on 13 February. A draw against Bangladesh Army will confirm the title for Rituparna Chakma’s Rajshahi. Most players remain in camp and could not travel to their constituencies.
Sabina Khatun, who is outside league duty, managed to vote in Satkhira at the age of 32. “Everyone should vote for the right candidate so they can work for the people. As an athlete, I want a government that prioritises sport,” she said. Masura Parvin was also among those who voted.
National women’s chess champion Noshin Anjum cast her first vote and called it a special moment. “Everything feels different the first time. I’m excited to have voted in a national election,” she said.
Bangladesh defender Topu Barman urged the new government to focus more on sport. “My expectation from the new government is simple, that they give extra attention to sports. Every sport in this country has potential, but we need proper planning and proper care of athletes,” he said.
Former fast bowler Tareq Aziz said, “The new government should not focus only on cricket but manage all sports properly with a clear vision.” Shooter Sharmin Akhter Ratna added, “My only wish is that the new government does everything necessary to win an Olympic gold medal.”
Bangladesh Olympic Association chief Zobair Rahman Rana stressed the need for policy and structure. “Money alone will not deliver results without infrastructure and training,” he said. Grassroots organiser Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir echoed that view and said promises must turn into action.
Armanitola School in Old Dhaka, long linked with hockey, served as a polling centre for many former and current players. Former hockey star Rafiqul Islam Kamal and ex football manager Imtiaz Ahmed Nakib described the atmosphere as peaceful and vibrant.
The election day became more than a civic duty for Bangladesh’s athletes. It turned into a united call for better planning, stronger structure and real reform in national sports.
