U-15 footballers feted in Dhaka, Tk 100,000 prize announced for every team member

Every member of Bangladesh's Under-15 football team will receive a prize of Tk 100,000 each, it has been announced. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) organised a grand reception and lunch at the BFF Bhaban on Tuesday (3 November) to celebrate the team's success.

Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque attended the ceremony as chief guest. BFF President Tabith Awal and other prominent figures from the country's sports arena were also present.

At the reception, State Minister Aminul Haque announced that every member of the team would be given Tk 100,000 each as a prize from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Aminul Haque said: "We have come here to encourage these young talented players. I had kept a bit of a surprise. From our Ministry of Youth and Sports, and on behalf of the honourable Prime Minister, we will give every member of this team a prize of Tk 100,000 each."

He added: "The amount of the prize is not the big thing. The government is beside the players, the country is beside the players, the people of the country are beside the players — we want to deliver this message to every home, to every family."

Bangladesh's youngsters earned the honour of finishing runners-up at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 held in Azerbaijan. In the title fight on 30 October, they had to settle for runners-up after losing 4-1 to the Central African Republic.

Under the tournament's structure, Bangladesh took part in the tier competition formed of the teams that finished fifth in the group stage. It was there that the red-and-green representatives reached the final with an outstanding performance.

The team's captain also spoke about their future at the reception, requesting BFF President Tabith Awal to arrange long-term training. The captain wants the players of this team to be kept under regular practice and care so that the continuity of the success they have achieved is maintained.

In reply, BFF President Tabith Awal expressed satisfaction with the youngsters' performance. In his view, the experience of playing against big teams at international level has boosted the confidence of Bangladesh's teenagers.

Tabith Awal said: "The group we fell into had Portugal as well. At this age, the Bangladesh team has played against teams like Portugal, Wales, Fiji and the Central African Republic. Teams whose names once scared us — today our teenagers have proved they have the ability to fight them eye to eye in the future."

The BFF president is also hopeful about the dream of playing in the next World Cup. He believes that with proper care and long-term planning, the footballers of this generation will one day be able to represent Bangladesh on the world stage as well.