Bangladesh national team defender Tariq Kazi, a Finland-born player, has sent a heartfelt video message to his teammates and supporters from his mandatory military service in Finland. Despite his absence from the national squad, Kazi remains committed to rejoining the team as soon as possible.
Under Finnish law, all men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for a period of six, nine, or 12 months. Kazi left for Finland following the national team's last international match in June and has been unable to return due to his military duties.
With the Bangladesh national team gearing up for two friendly matches against Bhutan, Kazi addressed his absence in a video message shared by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). Kazi wished the best for the Bangladesh national team as they faced Bhutan, expressing his desire to be there but his mandatory military service in Finland prevented him from joining. He hoped to return soon and contribute to both the national team and Bashundhara Kings, wishing everyone good luck and urging them to bring home a win.
According to BFF's head of media, Sadman Sakib, Kazi began his six-month military service in Finland in July and is expected to return to Bangladesh in January of next year. The BFF attempted to secure a postponement of Kazi's military service due to his football commitments, but unfortunately, the Finnish government did not grant the request.
Kazi's prolonged absence means he will miss all three FIFA windows this year. However, he will be available for selection for the Asian Cup Qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in March of next year.
