Two exciting foreign-born footballers, Zayn Hakeem and Nilay van der Ploeg, are edging closer to joining the Bangladesh national team. Senior Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) officials have confirmed significant progress in their paperwork and scouting processes.
Vice President Imrul Hasan announced that Zayn Hakeem’s Bangladeshi passport application is now fully complete. The England-based striker, who has previously represented Antigua and Barbuda at youth level, is eager to wear Bangladesh’s red and green.
“We have received all required paperwork for Zayn’s passport,” Hasan told the press. “He is very keen to represent Bangladesh. If all goes to plan, we are hopeful of completing everything before the next international window.”
Hakeem, known for his pace and power up front, has been monitored by the BFF for several months. His desire to commit to Bangladesh has been clear, and his eligibility process now appears to be in its final stage. With Bangladesh set to compete in the upcoming AFC and FIFA qualifying campaigns, his addition could provide a valuable attacking option.
Meanwhile, fellow overseas talent Nilay van der Ploeg is also gaining traction with the national setup. The Dutch-Bangladeshi midfielder has impressed BFF’s technical team after they reviewed his match footage. Nilay, who comes through the youth system of Dutch clubs, has shown strong technical ability and footballing intelligence.
BFF Vice President Fahad Karim shared updates on Nilay’s status. “Nilay’s agent will meet with us soon to discuss training camp availability. His mother is of Bangladeshi origin, which makes him eligible. We will now begin the passport process,” said Karim. “Everything is moving in a very positive direction.”
The federation’s pursuit of Hakeem and Nilay reflects a wider strategy to tap into the Bangladeshi diaspora. With many players of Bangladeshi heritage developing in professional environments abroad, the BFF is keen to use that talent pipeline to improve its national squads.
Both players, if cleared in time, could join an increasingly diverse Bangladesh team. The recent international window saw the inclusion of Canada-based Shamit Shome and England-based Fahamedul Islam. Talks are also progressing with Sunderland youth product Cuba Mitchell, and Premier League player Hamza Choudhury remains a long-term target.
While no specific debut dates have been confirmed for Hakeem and Nilay, the optimism within the BFF suggests that both could feature sooner rather than later. With the next round of international matches approaching, fans may not have to wait long to see fresh faces in the national line-up.
The BFF’s ongoing efforts to modernise and globalise the national team are clearly gaining momentum. If the integration of these diaspora players is successful, Bangladesh could find itself with a stronger, more competitive squad than ever before.