The midfielder’s dynamic 45-minute display was met with roaring applause, as fans relished his every touch.

The 26-year-old midfielder, born to Sylheti parents, is set to watch the FIFA friendly match between Bangladesh and Bhutan tonight at 7pm at the National Stadium, marking his first appearance in the country since his call-up.

Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome is set to make his Bangladesh debut in the Asian Cup Qualifier against Singapore on June 10. The 26-year-old, born to Sylheti parents, follows in the footsteps of Jamal Bhuiyan and Hamza Choudhury as another expatriate embracing his roots.

Although today's fixture between Bangladesh and Bhutan is officially a FIFA friendly, it carries significant weight. It marks the long-awaited return of international football to the National Stadium (NS) and serves as vital preparation ahead of the high-stakes match against Singapore on June 10.

A few expatriates have made their way into Bangladesh football in recent times, with Canada-based Shamit Shome being the latest addition after England-based Hamza Choudhury, Fahamedul Islam from Italy, Finland-based Tarik Kazi, and Denmark-based Jamal Bhuiyan.

The English Premier League-bred midfielder made his debut for Bangladesh against India during the Asian Cup qualifiers in Shillong. The match ended in a goalless draw, with Hamza earning praise for his standout performance.

Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC), one of the country’s most popular teams, celebrated their maiden Bangladesh Premier League title in vibrant fashion at the Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali Stadium in Dhaka yesterday..However, their joy was tinged with disappointment over missing out on a spot i

Bangladesh and Bashundhara Kings forward Rakib Hossain finished as the top local scorer in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), netting 11 goals in 17 games -- one more than the previous season. Rakib spoke with The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about his form, domestic football, the national team, and the inclusion of Canada-based Shamit Shome in the Bangladesh squad.

Bangladesh have never qualified for the finals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

Last season, clubs could register six foreign players, of whom four were eligible to play. This time, though, each club can sign five foreign players, but only three can feature in any given match.

With 15 clean sheets in 21 games in the Federation Cup and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Abahani goalkeeper Mitul Marma has been the standout performer this season.

“BFF always tries to innovate -- and in doing so, mistakes can happen. We admit that. The real issue isn’t the delay, but how quickly we can resolve it,” said the BFF president.

With so much to look forward to, Bangladeshi football fans are counting the days left to face Singapore.

A mainstay in domestic football and a reliable presence between the sticks for Bangladesh from 2015 to 2022, Rana also played for Chittagong Abahani, Saif Sporting Club and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra.

The title-deciding fixture between the two unbeaten sides will kick off at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia at 7:30pm Bangladesh time.

Bangladesh were relatively dominant in terms of possession and chance creation, and it took Golam Rabbani Choton’s charges 73 minutes to break the deadlock.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4 pm (Bangladesh time) at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.

A spate of incidents has occurred within the past month where referees were assaulted over on-field decisions by club officials, players and supporters.

PWD used to be a regular outfit in top-flight football in the 80s and early 90s

Bangladesh’s domestic competitions are not producing forwards who steal the spotlight in big matches. Goals in lopsided fixtures, played in front of empty stands, do little to prepare players for the intensity of international football.