Hamza and Somit received the award for defeating India.

Members of the Bangladesh national football team received a special award for defeating powerful India in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

The team, led by Hamza Chowdhury, secured a historic 1-0 victory against India in the match held at home on November 18th, marking their first win against them in 22 years. In recognition of this extraordinary feat, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the Youth and Sports Advisor who resigned on Wednesday, announced a $2$ crore (two crore) taka reward for the players.

The prize cheque distribution ceremony was held at the National Sports Council (NSC) building at noon. Bangladesh team captain Jamal Bhuiyan, manager Amer Khan, and BFF (Bangladesh Football Federation) General Secretary Imran Hossain received the cheques from Laboni Chakma, Director (Training) of the National Sports Council.

Regarding the distribution of the prize money, the $23$ footballers who were in the squad for the match against India, Head Coach Javier Cabrera, and Manager Amer Khan each received $7$ lakh (seven lakh) taka. Additionally, five other members of the coaching staff each received $5$ lakh (five lakh) taka.

However, low-income staff members dedicated to the team, Md. Mohsin, and Video Analyst Nasif Islam, were excluded from the list of recipients. It is also reported that the team attendant, media manager, and team doctor were also not included in the award list.

In this regard, national team manager Amer Khan said, “A list of $40$ people was provided by the BFF. Before the India match, Ibrahim and a few others were also in the camp. Their names were also on the list. They are part of the team. We received checks for $30$ people at the NSC today (yesterday).”

On the other hand, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Executive Director of the National Sports Council, stated, “The ministry’s top policymakers considered only those who were directly involved and contributed to the team during the India match.”