As anticipation builds for Bangladesh’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on 10 June, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced that up to 18,300 tickets will be made available to the public. The fixture, which could see Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury make his first home appearance for Bangladesh, is set to take place at the newly renovated National Stadium in Dhaka.
Choudhury, who made his international debut for Bangladesh on 25 March in a qualifier against India in Shillong, received a rapturous welcome during a visit to his ancestral home in Habiganj, Sylhet, prior to the match. The 26-year-old’s potential home debut is expected to draw a significant crowd, with the BFF aiming to reignite public enthusiasm for international football.
The National Stadium, formerly known as the Bangabandhu National Stadium, has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent months. Although the stadium boasts a full capacity of 22,000, only 18,300 seats in the general galleries will be released for public sale. The remaining tickets will be distributed among key football stakeholders.
On Tuesday, members of the BFF Competitions Committee met with officials from the National Sports Council (NSC), which owns the stadium, to discuss the progress of the renovations and finalise arrangements for the high-profile encounter.
Speaking at the BFF House, Competitions Committee Chairman Golam Gaus expressed confidence that the stadium would be ready by the 22 May deadline.
“We are optimistic about meeting the deadline, as we also plan to host an international friendly before the Singapore match. Ideally, we want the national team to prepare on this ground ahead of the qualifier,” Gaus told local media reporters.
His remarks were echoed by Tajwar Awal, a member of the Competitions Committee and younger brother of BFF President Tabith Awal, who said the return of fans to the stadium was a key objective.
“We want to bring supporters back and create a vibrant atmosphere. That’s why we’re working closely with the NSC,” said Awal. “The Marketing Committee will determine ticket prices, and we’re considering online sales to ensure wider access. We also hope ticket revenue will help support football development.”
Following the meeting, BFF and NSC officials conducted an inspection of the stadium. While progress was evident, some areas of the pitch remained uneven. Gaus explained that work was ongoing to level the surface using roller machinery. Additionally, the NSC is preparing designated rooms for the match commissioner and referees to meet international standards.
With final touches underway, the BFF remains hopeful that the June fixture will mark not only a successful return to their home ground but also a significant step in Bangladesh’s pursuit of a place in the AFC Asian Cup.