Fahamedul Islam, one of the most iconic young figures in Bangladesh football, has returned to the national camp ahead of two vital fixtures — a friendly against Bhutan and the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore. The 18-year-old winger landed in Dhaka on Wednesday morning from Italy and is expected to rejoin training with immediate effect.
Fahamedul currently plies his trade in Italy’s fourth-tier league with Olbia Calcio in Serie D, following previous spells at Ligorna and Livorno. Despite playing in a lower division, his technical ability, composure, and versatility have made him one of the most talked-about prospects in Bangladeshi football.
He was part of the national team’s preparatory camp in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, ahead of Bangladesh’s crucial qualifier against India on 25 March. Reports from that camp suggested he was one of the standout performers. Yet, in a controversial decision, head coach Javier Cabrera left him out of the final squad for the India match — a goalless draw that left Bangladesh fans bitterly disappointed.
The omission triggered a rare wave of protest from football supporters, both online and offline. Fahamedul, despite his age and relatively limited time with the national side, had already secured a place in the hearts of fans. His hardworking ethos, humble persona, and overseas development represent a new era of professionalism many fans want to see embodied in the national side.
Now, as Bangladesh prepare to face Singapore on 10 June in a must-win qualifier at the Dhaka National Stadium, all eyes will be on whether Fahamedul makes the final cut — and if he does, whether he can deliver when it matters most.
Interest in the Singapore match has reached fever pitch. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) recently confirmed that tickets for the tie have completely sold out — a rarity in recent years. While a number of factors have contributed to the surge in demand, many fans have cited Fahamedul’s potential return as one of the key reasons they’re flocking to the stadium.
“Fahamedul symbolises the hope of a new generation,” said one fan on social media. “We wanted him then, and now that he’s back, we believe he can lead from the front.”
Bangladesh will also play a friendly against Bhutan on 4 June as part of their preparation. Fahamedul is widely expected to start that match, giving fans their long-awaited chance to see him in action in national colours on home soil.
With all four teams in the qualifying group — Bangladesh, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong — currently tied on one point, the clash against Singapore could prove pivotal. A win would see Bangladesh surge ahead in the standings and edge closer to qualification for the next stage of the AFC Asian Cup.
The training camp officially kicks off on 30 May, with the BFF expected to announce the preliminary squad in the coming days. If Fahamedul makes the final squad — and performs to expectations — it could mark the beginning of a new chapter not just for him, but for Bangladesh football itself.