The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a 28-member preliminary squad for the upcoming SAFF Championship, headlined by English Premier League midfielder Hamza Dewan Choudhury and a strong contingent of expatriate talent.
The regional tournament takes place at the National Stadium in Dhaka from 5 to 17 November. Preparing for South Asia’s flagship international competition, Bangladesh have blended experienced domestic campaigners, emerging talents, and overseas-based players to build a formidable side. Preparatory training sessions have already commenced in the capital.
Alongside Hamza Choudhury, the squad features seasoned expatriates including Shamit Shome, captain Jamal Bhuyan, and Farhan Ali Wahid. Two new overseas faces—Mahi Khan and Ronan Benjamin Sullivan—have earned their maiden national call-ups for the campaign. Senior defender Topu Barman returns to the fold after recovering from an injury that ruled him out of the final ASEAN Cup squad.
Coaching staff have invited two additional players, Md. Ishak Akond and Md. Asif, to join training sessions. Though permitted to train with the national team, neither player features in the official 28-man squad.
The complete preliminary list selected for the tournament includes:
Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Srabon.
Defenders: Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Md. Saad Uddin, Rahmat Mia, Zidan Alexander Yusuf, Md. Isa Faysal, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Zayan Ahmed.
Midfielders: Md. Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Md. Ridoy, Hamza Dewan Choudhury, Shamit Shome, Syed Kazem Kirmani Shah, Jamal Bhuyan, Farhan Ali Wahid.
Forwards: Shekh Morsalin, Rakib Hossain, Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Fahmidul Islam, Md. Mahi Khan, Mohammad Ibrahim, Suki Itofusa, Minhajul Karim Swadhin, Ronan Benjamin Sullivan.
Playing on home soil, Bangladesh aim to capitalise on familiarity and international experience as they target regional honours next month.
