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Published : 17 Mar 2025, 03:01 PM
A wave of excitement has gripped football fans in Bangladesh as former Premier League star Hamza Choudhury arrived in the country to mark a highly anticipated homecoming.
The English-born defensive midfielder landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Monday, where a festive atmosphere had built up since morning.
Excited fans gathered to welcome Hamza, whose father Dewan Morshed Choudhury was at the airport to receive him.
However, this visit is unlike any of his previous ones. This time, Hamza is here to represent the Bangladesh national football team. Ever since his call-up to the squad, fans and villagers have eagerly awaited his arrival.
From the airport, he will travel to his ancestral home in Snanghat village in Habiganj's Bahubal Upazila.
His arrival has sparked celebrations across the district, particularly in his hometown, which has been decorated with banners, festoons and congratulatory arches.
Despite the excitement, security remains a concern as Hamza is accompanied by his wife, three children and mother. His father had arrived earlier to prepare for his homecoming.
Hamza has always had a strong emotional connection to Bangladesh. His father encouraged him to play for the national team, and now, that dream is set to become reality. If all goes according to plan, he will make his debut for Bangladesh on Mar 25 against India.
Though he has visited his ancestral village before with his parents, this marks his first trip in nearly 11 years. His family has confirmed that he will stay at their village home for a day before heading to Dhaka on Monday.
On Mar 20, Hamza will leave with the team for Shillong, where Bangladesh will face India in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
