Tabith Awal, one of the four candidates for the post of president in the upcoming Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) election bigan his campaign with a festive mood at the Fortis Football Academy in the city on Sunday.
Tabith, the youngest candidates in the BFF Presidential election, who was the last one of collect the nomination paper, onset his official campaign indifferent fashion accompanied by a bunch of former national stars.
Organising a football festival, participated by the former footballers divided into four gourps where Tabith Awal also played for a team.
Tabith and former national star Alfaz Ahmed and Kaiser Hamid addressed in the opening day of his election campaign, when Arman Aziz, Masud Raba, Golam Gaus, Zair Hossain, Zahid Hassan Emily and other stars were also present.
Apart from Tabith Awal, some of the candidates and councilors also attended the occasion.
Tabith Awal, who was two times vice-president of the BFF and could not cross the hurdle of the previosu edition election, said, “I lost in the last election. This time I planed to compete for the post of president and I prepared myself. I was two time president of the BFF, so I gained some expereinces. I have every believe that I would be able to work for the development of tehcountry’s football. You know I was a football player and played in the flight of the country’s football, I want to move forward with the support of my former colleagues and friends on the field and off the field. I am happy that some of senior colleagues, who are the all time stars of the cpountry’s football.”
Arman Mia, one of the all time best midfielders of the country, thisnks Tabith an eligible cnadidate for post of BFF president. “Tabith is a very visionary man. I believe that if Tabith would get the responsibility will definitely do well.”
Former captain of the national team, Zahid Hasan Emily said, “When I was the senior player of the national team, Tabith was the deputy chairman of the national team’s committee. He is always careful about the facilities of the players. I have every believe that if he would be elected, he would be capable to work for the development of football. We wish him every success.”
Apart from Tabith, there are three more contenders for the post of president.
Tabith, former football player likens the electoral contest to a football match, saying, "Once I was a player of Fakirerpool team, we were considered weaker than Sheikh Russell, but they lost a game against us. Therefore, no opponent should be underestimated.”
There is speculation within football circles about the pressure on Tabith to form a specific panel, though he has been focusing on individual selection rather than a panel, he said when questioned about the panel issue.
Replying to anther query,Tabith said, "Everyone here is in a playful mood." He suggested that it was not the right time to delve into complex matters, promising more clarity in the future. Similar to national elections, the BFF elections feature a manifesto. While it is typically panel-based, the leaders' intentions are primarily reflected in the panel.
Tabith explained, "The manifesto represents the expectations of the councillor-delegates. There is limited accountability in a panel manifesto. If the manifesto is personal, councillors can directly address the specific candidate."
