Bangladesh U-15 team receive Tk25 lakh reward

The Bangladesh under-15 football team returned home to a warm reception and a cash reward on Tuesday, following their runners-up finish in their group at the FIFA U-15 Football World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.

​The young squad was celebrated at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) headquarters, where a total of Tk25 lakh was announced as a reward, meaning each player walked away with Tk100,000.

​Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque announced the 100,000 taka prize for each player on behalf of the ministry. In addition, BFF vice-president Nasser Shahrear Zahedee gave Tk50,000 to every player and coaching staff member. Zaheedi had previously promised a Tk10 lakh team bonus following their loss to Central Africa in the final.

​FIFA hosted this global youth festival for the first time with the goal of drawing youngsters to the sport and developing their skills. Bangladesh finished as runners-up in the fifth tier, or 'E' category. Across the entire event, which saw Spain lift the main title, Bangladesh ranked 130th out of 187 competing countries.

​Beyond the final standings, individual brilliance caught the eye. Goalkeeper Srinath Halder was a standout, making crucial tie-breaker saves in two separate matches. The strong performances of several young players have also reportedly attracted the attention of foreign clubs.

​State Minister Haque stressed the importance of holding onto this momentum.

​"Whatever the result or position is, Bangladeshi footballers have potential," Haque said, adding that he attended the reception purely to encourage the boys.

​He urged the federation to focus on the future. "The BFF must take responsibility to ensure they receive long-term training so they can become good footballers. The ministry will provide all necessary support in this regard," he added.

​BFF president Tabith Awal noted that the federation is actively working on grassroots football to build a stronger pipeline. He explained that the squad was formed through a dedicated selection camp, which followed a nationwide U-15 tournament that ran for nearly a year.

​Assuring the players that their regular practice will continue without interruption, Awal added that the sports ministry remains fully by their side in this journey.