Bangladesh Football Ultras reviving a nation’s passion

Support is the soul of any sport. It's the fans in the stands, the voices that rise in unison, the collective rhythm of claps and chants that transforms the game into something larger than life.

In European football, this passion takes on vibrant forms—tifos stretching across stands, plumes of coloured smoke painting the air, banners bearing messages that echo the love and loyalty of countless hearts. 

The stadiums of Italy, Spain, Germany, and France are living canvases, alive with these traditions. In Argentina, matches like Boca Juniors vs River Plate carry the same magic, where every game is a celebration, a battlefield, and a story.

This spirit belongs to the ultras—a name synonymous with those who love their team beyond words, beyond reason. To many, the ultras of Real Madrid are iconic, yet every country, every club, carries its own version of this powerful tradition.

In Bangladesh, football once had its own pulse—a golden era in the 1990s, where rivalries like Abahani and Mohammedan weren't just games but events that commanded the nation's attention. Stadiums would fill with people and noise, the energy crackling in the air. But as time went on, things changed. Football lost its way, trapped by administrative struggles and neglected by its audience. The crowds thinned, the cheers faded, and cricket quietly claimed the spotlight that football had once owned.

Yet, not everyone forgot. Some held onto the memories of those thrilling matches, the sound of a full stadium, the pride of a sport that once brought people together. Among them was a new generation who refused to believe that football's time was over. They dreamt of bringing back its spark, its place in the hearts of the people. Out of this belief, Bangladesh Football Ultras came to life, not as just another group of fans but as a movement determined to remind the nation of what its football was and could be again.

Bashundhara Kings may have already created their own ultras group for the club level, but at the national level, Bangladesh Football Ultras stands as the pioneer. Their journey began during a turbulent time in Bangladeshi football, amidst the heated demand to remove Kazi Salahuddin from his position as president of the Bangladesh Football Federation.

In an interview, Rakibul Alam, the senior vice-president of Bangladesh Football Ultras, shared insights into the group's creation:

"It all started with the Salauddin Hatao movement. A football team's strength lies in its supporters. From the very beginning, our aim was to replicate the enthusiasm and passion that big fan clubs generate in stadiums worldwide. This kind of fervour inspires one's own team while instilling fear in the opposition. We wanted to bring this same energy to the football grounds in our country. That's how the journey of ultras began."

Their work doesn't stop at the present; their vision for the future is equally ambitious. "The aspirations are always big," Rakibul continued. "We dream of creating an atmosphere at home matches where opposing teams feel intimidated and bringing back the excitement that Bangladeshi football had in the 1990s."

The group also emphasises practical measures to elevate Bangladeshi football on a larger stage. "It's essential to integrate talented expatriate players while giving opportunities to high-quality local players," Rakibul explained. "The national team cannot be built solely on reputation."

When asked about their view on the BFF's current performance, he replied, "So far, it's a 50-50. A more conclusive assessment can only be made after some time."

Bangladesh Football Ultras has also played a crucial role in advocating for players like Hamza to represent the national team. "From the very beginning, we've tried to put pressure on the BFF, urging them in all our campaigns to work with Hamza and other skilled expatriate footballers," Yasin Mollah, their media manager said. "During matches, we consistently highlighted the importance of players like Hamza by creating tifos, banners, and raising awareness of their significance."

Their philosophy isn't limited to national-level games; it's spreading across club football as well. "Absolutely," Rakibul affirmed. "If you observe, club football is already regaining its former enthusiasm. Supporters of every club are returning to the stadium with renewed energy, uplifting their players through various chants and activities."

For the ultras, it's not just about supporting the team; it's about breathing life back into the stands. It's about filling the silence with songs, turning matches into moments that inspire. It's about making football in Bangladesh mean something again—not just for the players but for everyone watching.