Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is racing against time to complete formalities for Canadian-born midfielder Shamit Shome’s international switch, with the aim of fielding him in the upcoming friendly against Singapore in early June.
Following Hamza Choudhury’s landmark decision to represent Bangladesh earlier this year, Shome’s potential arrival is being seen as another major step in the nation’s footballing resurgence. The 26-year-old, who previously earned two senior caps for Canada, has completed several key steps in his eligibility process, including the issuance of his Bangladesh birth certificate and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Canada Soccer Association.
According to BFF insiders, Shome has already applied for a Bangladeshi passport, with fast-track processing underway. Passport formalities for his grandfather are also being addressed to support the documentation. The final and most critical stage—FIFA’s approval of his nationality switch—remains pending, with no fixed timeline.
In preparation, BFF has also begun discussions with Cavalry FC, Shome’s club in the Canadian Premier League, to secure clearance for international duty.
Despite the challenges of a 10-hour time difference between Bangladesh and Canada, BFF Vice President Fahad Karim and digital media official Amit Hassan have been working late into the night to coordinate progress. The federation is also receiving support from the Chief Advisor’s Office in Bangladesh to accelerate bureaucratic procedures.
“This is not just about one player,” a BFF source said. “It’s about signaling to the world that Bangladesh football is serious about change and growth.”
If successful, Shome would be the latest in a new wave of foreign-born talents choosing to represent Bangladesh, joining Sheffield United’s Hamza Choudhury, whose debut against India in March sparked fresh hope among fans and players alike.
With momentum building and grassroots interest surging, Shome’s inclusion could further cement this new chapter for Bangladesh football.