On 8 August 2025, the Greenville Futsal Turf in Dhaka witnessed something more powerful than just a football match it saw the celebration of friendship, youth and shared legacy. The Dhaka University Friends Alliance (DUFA), a group of alumni from the 1995-96 batch, came together for their much anticipated annual event, the DUFA Futsal League.
Four teams took part in the tournament, but this was far more than a sporting contest. For these former university mates, most now approaching their 50s, it was a chance to lace up their boots, run free, and revisit the golden memories of their student days.
One long-time DUFA member reflected on the journey, saying that since 2017 they have organised this event every year. It is not just about football it is a tradition that keeps their bond alive. The tournament acts as a bridge connecting the past with the present, giving them the space to relive friendships that time never managed to fade.
But DUFA’s work stretches far beyond sports. Another member highlighted their role as a welfare group. Over the years, they have raised funds and stepped in to support communities during floods and other national crises. Their mission is not just to cherish the past, but to serve the present.
DUFA’s influence isn’t limited within Bangladesh either. With members now spread across different parts of the world, the organisation has built a strong international network. No matter the location, they stay united in spirit and ready to come together for any meaningful cause.
Another participant spoke passionately about the deeper purpose of DUFA. This is not just a club that hosts events it is a movement to preserve the spirit of youth. “We don’t know how many years we have left, but we want to live them fully, carrying the same energy we had during university,” he said. “We want to pass on this legacy to our children, because DUFA will live on through them as well.”
The group also maintains its connection with Dhaka University by holding annual elections and celebrating the formation of the new committee on campus. This keeps the DUFA community active and rooted in the institution that brought them together.
The football may have been competitive, but for the winning team, the joy wasn’t just about lifting a trophy. As one of the players put it, “It felt like the whole batch had won. We swam together, sang together, played football it felt like DUFA itself came out as the real winner.”
The DUFA Futsal League 2025 was a reminder that age may add years to life, but it can never take away the joy of friendship. Through football, music, and moments of shared laughter, DUFA continues to prove that while the days may move on, the spirit of youth remains unshaken.