Pocket Note Declared: “I Support Mohammedan”

For decades, the roar of football fans filled Dhaka’s stadiums, yet few figures embodied that passion as unmistakably as Ataur Rahman, affectionately known as “Ata Bhai.” A devoted supporter of Mohammedan Sporting Club, Ata Bhai was a familiar presence in the stands, waving the black-and-white club flag with unyielding fervour. From the National Stadium to Mirpur, his voice—loud, exuberant, and full of life—energised matches, but that iconic presence will be absent henceforth.

Ataur Rahman passed away last night at his residence in Dhaka’s Tejgaon area, aged over 80, following age-related illnesses. His devotion to football spanned more than half a century, and his departure marks the end of an era for Bangladesh’s football-loving community.

Ata’s journey as a football enthusiast began in 1962 when, as a teenager, he first set foot in the Dhaka Stadium’s gallery. From that moment, Mohammedan dominated his heart. His commitment to the club was absolute—an unwavering love that is difficult to imagine in today’s era of social media-driven fandom.

From the 1960s until 2017, Ataur hardly missed a single Mohammedan match in Dhaka. Despite deteriorating health, he continued attending matches, drawing strength from the dust of the pitch, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of goals. Rivalry with Abahani, Mohammedan’s long-time competitor, was an inseparable part of his life. Even from the stands, he became a vigilant sentinel of black-and-white, embodying the spirit of the game itself.

Former Director-in-Charge of Mohammedan Sporting Club, Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan, attended Ata’s funeral prayers at Tejgaon Jame Mosque this afternoon. Alongside several club officials, he paid the final respects, draping Ata’s coffin with the club’s flag.

Lokman Hossain recalled, “Ata always carried a small note or card in his pocket, stating, ‘I support Mohammedan.’ He called this his ‘profession.’ All he ever wanted was a club flag and jersey. Such club devotees are exceedingly rare.”

Ata Bhai may have left the physical stands of Dhaka, but his voice will echo in every corner of the National Stadium for generations to come. In a footballing world often dominated by transient fandom, his selfless devotion remains a shining example, reminding Bangladeshis of a time when supporting a club was a lifelong calling.