The Bangladesh national football team has safely returned home after being stranded in Nepal due to the country’s sudden political turmoil. The squad had travelled to Kathmandu on 6 September to play two FIFA international friendlies. The first match went ahead as planned, but widespread student protests on 8 September spiralled into political unrest, leading to the resignation of the government and the imposition of curfew in the capital. Streets filled with demonstrations, arson and clashes, forcing daily life to come to a standstill. In such conditions, the second friendly was cancelled and the team’s return home quickly became uncertain.
Players, coaching staff, officials and sports journalists were confined to their hotel under growing safety concerns as reports of violence spread across Kathmandu. With Tribhuvan International Airport suspending all international flights, serious doubts emerged over how the Bangladesh delegation would return home.
In response, the Government of Bangladesh acted swiftly. Under the direction of the Armed Forces Division and with full coordination from the Air Force, a special rescue flight was dispatched. A Bangladesh Air Force C-130B transport aircraft departed Dhaka for Kathmandu on 11 September at 11:53 am and brought back the entire contingent safely. At 4:40 pm the aircraft landed at Kurmitola’s AK Khandaker base in Dhaka. A total of 55 people were evacuated, including 23 footballers, 4 coaching staff, 16 sports journalists, 11 team officials and one student representative. The mission was led by Group Captain Mohammad Selim Javed, psc.
Brigadier General Ali, Director General of Operations and Plans, explained the coordination behind the rescue. “On 11 September at 11:53 am, the Bangladesh Air Force aircraft set out to bring back the players, journalists and officials who had been stranded in Nepal. The Chief Adviser, the National Sports Council, the Bangladesh Football Federation and the Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal all worked together to implement this operation.”
Bangladesh Football Federation president Tabith Awal expressed his gratitude for the safe return of the team and others. “First, I want to thank the Bangladesh Air Force. They played an outstanding role in ensuring the safe return of our players, officials and journalists. At first it took us some time to fully grasp the situation, because we were hearing news of fires in nearby buildings. We even prepared for alternative accommodation if necessary. But the government, the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Air Staff monitored everything closely. Once the diplomatic channel became active, the Air Force moved quickly with the rescue.”
He added that the federation was determined to bring everyone back, not just the players. “We wanted journalists and everyone involved in sports to return safely. Those who were engaged in the rescue monitored the situation day and night. By the grace of the Almighty, we succeeded.”
The BFF president also highlighted the psychological aspect of the experience. “After returning from a situation like Nepal, many may suffer mental trauma. Before the Hong Kong match we will arrange counselling for the players. Those who need support will be taken care of, and even those not involved in the match will be given help to return to a normal environment. Some may have suffered physically as well as mentally, so we are working with all that in mind.”
The successful evacuation reinforced once again that the Bangladesh Armed Forces are ready to act with the highest professionalism when citizens face danger abroad. For the footballers, journalists and officials, their safe return has brought relief not only to their families but also to the wider sporting community and supporters at home.
