Published: 18:40, 19 November 2024
BAFF president Tabith Awal pays tribute to Zakaria Pintu.
Bangladesh football is deeply involved with the history of the country’s liberation war. During the liberation war in 1971, independent Bengal football team played 16 matches in different states of India and won 12 of them. They gave the money received from the ticket sales of the matches to
That team was led by Zakaria Pintu. Leaving the illusion of the world, he is now in the next world. After the death of Pintu, the discussion arose again, will the Bangladesh Football Federation preserve the memory of the independent Bengali football team?
When you enter Bafuf’s headquarters in Motijheel, you will see a plaque with the names of the members of the independent Bengali football team. On December 16, 2023, Kazi Salahuddin unveiled a plaque with that name written in English and Bengali. Apart from this, there is no visible memory of the independent Bengali football team in Buffe. There are no photos of those gold-winning footballers who fought in the football field.
With the change of power, there has been a change in the buffet. Will the new president Tabith Awal preserve their memory by honoring the glorious independent Bengali football team? That question also came up today. He assured, “He (Zacharia Pintu) is a football legend. We will discuss and take a decision in the executive committee meeting regarding the installation of his and Swadhin Bengali football team’s photo in the buffet.”
Many sports stadiums, galleries around the world are named after accomplished players. This practice is very rare in Bangladesh. A proposal was also raised whether Pintu’s name can be used in any football establishment in Bangladesh. In response to such questions, however, Tabith Awal drew the issue of the government’s decision, “All the stadiums belong to the government.” We can propose to the government in this regard.”
In 1995, Zakaria Pintu received the country’s highest state honour, the Independence Medal. However, his lifelong regret was that despite his contribution to the liberation war, the independent Bengali football team did not receive the independence award as a team. He left the regret with his companion.
Dhaka/Yasin/Vijay
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How can the legacy of Zakaria Pintu and the independent team influence the future of football in Bangladesh?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Editor: Good evening, and thank you for joining us today. The passing of Zakaria Pintu, the legendary captain of the independent Bengali football team, has stirred up a lot of emotions and discussions around the preservation of Bangladesh’s football history. Here to shed light on this subject is renowned football historian, Dr. Rafiq Hossain. Welcome, Dr. Hossain!
Dr. Hossain: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, especially to discuss such an important aspect of our sporting history.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The independent Bengali football team played 16 matches during the 1971 liberation war and won 12, which is quite a remarkable feat. Can you tell us about the significance of their achievements during that turbulent time?
Dr. Hossain: Absolutely. The team not only provided a source of entertainment and national pride during a very tumultuous period but also helped financially support the liberation struggle. The ticket sales from their matches were directed to the war effort, which showcased how deeply intertwined sports and national identity can be. They embodied the spirit of independence and resilience.
Editor: With Zakaria Pintu’s recent passing, there has been a renewed call to honor the independent team’s legacy. You noted the lack of visible memorials at the Bangladesh Football Federation. Why do you think that is?
Dr. Hossain: There are multiple factors at play. Historically, sports in Bangladesh have often been eclipsed by politics and other pressing national issues. Despite their contributions, many of those historical moments and figures, including the independent team, haven’t received the recognition they deserve in physical form—like photographs or dedicated spaces. It’s an oversight that society should rectify.
Editor: Tabith Awal, the new president of the Bangladesh Football Federation, has expressed a desire to honor Pintu and the independent team. What do you think are the essential steps he should take?
Dr. Hossain: For starters, creating a dedicated space within the federation’s headquarters that showcases the history of the independent Bengali football team is crucial. This could include plaques, photographs, and even interactive displays that tell their story. Engaging fans and educating younger generations on this history will also cultivate pride and respect for our football lineage.
Editor: You mentioned an executive committee meeting for discussing the preservation of this legacy. In your experience, what often happens in these situations? Do you see a genuine commitment to memorializing such important aspects of history?
Dr. Hossain: That’s a great question. The intention is often there, especially with new leadership, but the challenge lies in follow-through. It requires strategic planning and resource allocation. A firm commitment from leadership to make it happen, along with support from fans and the community, is crucial. If they treat this as a priority, we’ll likely see meaningful action.
Editor: Football, of course, transcends mere competition—it’s a cultural discourse. How can honoring figures like Pintu reshape our understanding of football in Bangladesh, not just as a sport but as part of our national narrative?
Dr. Hossain: By acknowledging the contributions of figures like Pintu, we enrich the narrative of football in our country. It becomes a symbol of unity, resilience, and our fight for sovereignty. This recognition can inspire future generations to appreciate not only the sport but also its role in our collective identity and history. It creates a deeper emotional connection with the sport, encouraging participation at all levels.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hossain, for sharing such invaluable insights. It seems clear that preserving the memory of our sporting legends is pivotal to acknowledging their role in our national story.
Dr. Hossain: Thank you for addressing such an important topic. Remembering and honoring our past is crucial for building a better future in sports and beyond.
Editor: We look forward to seeing how the Bangladesh Football Federation responds to this call to action. Thank you everyone for joining us today, and we hope to keep this essential conversation alive. Until next time!