Hamza Choudhury has made an unexpected return to Bangladesh, arriving in Dhaka on 5 May for a personal and commercial visit that is set to last four to five days. The trip has not been arranged through the Bangladesh Football Federation and carries no official football agenda, though BFF officials are expected to use the opportunity to speak with the midfielder about the national team’s upcoming commitments.
Hamza’s appearances in Bangladesh outside of FIFA international windows are rare, given the demands of the English football calendar. This time, however, the end of the club season has opened up a window. Leicester City, the club for whom Hamza plays, were relegated from the English Championship and played their final match of the season on 2 May, freeing the midfielder for an extended break.
Rather than simply rest, Hamza has chosen to travel to Dhaka, primarily to fulfil commercial engagements. BFF vice-president Fahad Karim confirmed the visit but was careful to stress its unofficial nature. “Hamza Choudhury is coming to Bangladesh for personal reasons and the federation has not been formally informed about this matter. However, we have learned that he will stay in Dhaka for a few days mainly to complete some commercial work,” he said.
While the visit carries no formal football agenda, it is difficult to imagine the national team not featuring in conversation during Hamza’s stay. Bangladesh are due to play an international friendly against San Marino on 5 June, with the national team camp set to begin on 24 May. According to the previous schedule, Hamza was expected to travel directly to San Marino to join the squad there rather than pass through Dhaka at all.
His unexpected presence in the capital gives BFF officials a timely chance to discuss the upcoming match and any other outstanding matters face to face. The federation is also currently in the process of searching for a new head coach, a subject that is likely to arise naturally during any conversation with one of the national team’s most prominent players.
