Bangladesh’s sporting fraternity is in mourning following the passing of Mostafa Kamal, one of the nation’s most respected sports personalities. He breathed his last early on Sunday morning at his residence in Shantinagar, Dhaka, at the age of 88, after a prolonged battle with age-related complications and kidney problems. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and countless admirers.
Born in Noakhali, Mostafa Kamal left an indelible mark on Dhaka’s sports scene during the 1960s. He excelled both as a footballer and a volleyball player, earning a reputation as a formidable and dedicated sportsman.
From 1962 to 1965, Kamal played in Dhaka’s First Division Football for Azad Sporting Club. In 1966, he joined the historic Mohammedan Sporting Club, where he won the league championship twice over four years. During the 1966 Aga Khan Gold Cup, he shared the pitch with legendary players such as Zakaria Pintu, Pratap Shankar Hazra, Torab Ali, and Bashir-Zahirul Haque, representing a golden era of Bangladeshi football.
Kamal was equally dominant on the volleyball court. From 1963 to 1970, he was an essential member of the East Pakistan Volleyball team, captaining the side in 1968. Beyond his playing career, he served as vice-president of the Bangladesh Volleyball Federation, guiding and inspiring younger generations of athletes.
Off the field, Kamal was known for his humility and kindness. His approachable nature earned him the respect of colleagues and journalists alike. As a lifetime member of the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), he was a close friend to many in the media.
His funeral was held on Sunday after Zuhr prayer at the Shantinagar Eastern Plus Shopping Mall, followed by a procession to the Dhaka National Stadium, with his final resting place at the Rayerbazar Buddhijibi cemetery. The passing of Mostafa Kamal has cast a shadow of grief over the country’s sports community. Condolences have been expressed by the Bangladesh Olympic Association, Dhaka Mohammedan, BSPA, and the Bangladesh Volleyball Federation.
