Defender Tapu Burman was counting down the days to his holiday. The chance to spend quality time with his eight-month-old son, Sagnik, was a much-needed respite from the rigours of the football season.
With the 17th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) campaign looming on the horizon, the defender’s thoughts were consumed by the prospect of returning to the pitch. However, for now, his focus was solely on his family. The 16th BPL season had concluded with Banshundhara Kings claiming their fifth consecutive title, before the national team’s unsuccessful World Cup qualifying matches against Australia and Lebanon.
Burman was grateful for the extended break. “Unlike previous seasons where fixtures extended beyond the league, this is a genuine period of rest,” he remarked. “As a new father, I’ve been unable to travel, so enjoying family time at home is ideal.” Maintaining fitness was a priority for the defender. Based in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, Burman incorporated exercise into his daily routine. “Players must consistently train to avoid falling behind when they return to club duties,” he emphasised. “I also make time for casual matches with local youngsters.”
Striker Rakib Hossain was also making the most of his holiday in his hometown of Barishal. Balancing family time with fitness was his focus. “I’ve set up a home workout space and I’m sticking to a training regimen. It’s a rare opportunity to recharge,” he said.
While defender Bishwanath Ghosh opted for a family vacation in Malaysia, forward Sheikh Morsalin faced a different set of challenges. Amidst the rural tranquillity of his village, Char Bhadrasan in Faridpur, Morsalin’s thoughts were troubled by academic concerns.
As a Dhaka University student, the uncertainty surrounding his second semester exams cast a shadow over his break. The prospect of juggling studies with the demands of the football season filled him with apprehension.
Despite the challenges, Morsalin remained engaged with the local community. “I play football daily with the young lads and share my experiences,” he explained. “It’s important to maintain fitness, but it’s equally crucial to enjoy this time off.”
