Mamunul Islam ended his professional career at Kings Arena on Friday as Fortis FC beat Rahmatganj 3-2 in the Bangladesh Football League. The midfielder walked off in the 22nd minute to a guard of honour formed by both sets of players, a rare scene in a domestic fixture.
Players lined up in two rows near the technical area and created a corridor as Mamunul left the pitch. Coaches, officials and federation representatives greeted him at the touchline and handed him flowers. The crowd stayed modest in number but applauded throughout the stoppage.
Fortis played on and won a chaotic match that produced four goals inside the opening 22 minutes. They twice fell behind and twice recovered before taking control. Mamunul still showed his left-footed control and passing range during his short spell, keeping the ball moving under pressure.
He played his last international match in 2020 against Burundi. He featured in seven league games as a substitute last season and made his first appearance of this campaign in what became his final outing.
Mamunul said, “On my retirement day, I told my teammates we needed three points because we are still in the race for the league. I wanted my decision not to affect the match, and I wanted the team to play well. We played well and got the three points.”
He added, “I have achieved something at almost every club in Bangladesh. I want to win a trophy with this club after four years here. The club has shown me respect and promised support, and I feel like a happy and fortunate person.”
Fortis coach Masud Parvez Kaisar said, “We tried to give him a respectful farewell. He deserves it.”
Mamunul began his senior career in 2002 with Kallol Sangha in Chattogram and spent more than two decades in the domestic game. He said he now wants to see Bangladesh win the SAFF Championship and qualify for the Asian Cup.
