The inspection, which took place from March 13 to 15, included strategic meetings with staff, dialogues with parents of children enrolled in various BFF programmes, and visits to several academies.

 

During meetings with key members of the BFF administration, including President Tabith Awal, Vice President Nasser Shahrear Zahedee and representatives of the grassroots football department, the AFC delegation were provided with a comprehensive overview of the federation’s grassroots ecosystem, with a focus on development pathways and community engagement.

Among the highlights, the panel noted the BFF’s centralised structure, supported by regional wings, which has enabled the federation to expand its reach across all 64 districts of the country, thereby strengthening regional outreach programmes and ensuring wider access to football at the grassroots level.

 

The assessors also commended the variety of initiatives involving local schools and community bodies, which have provided hundreds of young players with opportunities to develop their skills while nurturing their passion for the game, and praised the Federation’s concerted efforts to expand grassroots festivals and introduce of coach education programmes for amateurs.

Hailing the achievement, the BFF Vice President said: “This achievement reflects our continued commitment to developing football from the grassroots level and creating opportunities for young players across the country.

“The BFF remains dedicated to strengthening its grassroots structure, ensuring inclusive participation, and building a strong foundation for the future of football in Bangladesh.”

BFF Technical Director AKM Saiful Bari Titu added: “This recognition marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of grassroots football in Bangladesh and through structured programmes, coach education, and inclusive participation, we are dedicated to nurturing young talent and promoting football at every level of society.

“We sincerely appreciate the AFC’s support, guidance and look forward to further strengthening our grassroots initiatives in line with international standards.”

Moreover on April 12, the efforts of the BFF in upholding the Confederation’s ambitions of promoting inclusivity through grassroots football were further underlined when it hosted the BFF Future Stars U-14 Football Festival 2026 across Dhaka, Sylhet and Jessore, in collaboration with Street Child.

The festival saw nearly 200 young children take part in a mini-football tournament, providing participants with a platform to nurture their love for the game while embracing the values of teamwork and inclusivity — key pillars of grassroots football — and further demonstrating the sport’s potential to drive positive change in society.