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Thursday | November 05, 2026 | Dhaka

Captain’s armband on Topu Barman’s arm

 Sports Reporters
 Published: 12:02 AM, 05 November 2026
Bangladesh Head Coach Thomas Dooley (right) and Captain Topu Barman during the pre-tournament press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Ahead of the start of the SAFF Championship, Topu Barman appeared alongside Coach Thomas Dooley at an official press conference on Wednesday. SAFF media Manager Jigme Dorji introduced Topu as the Captain.

Will Topu wear the Captain’s armband in the SAFF tournament? When asked about this, Dooly didn’t give a definitive answer. He said, “We have three players in our squad capable of being Captain.

Topu has served as Captain before; he could certainly be the Captain.”
The media Manager of Bangladesh football team Amer Khan said, “Topu will be the Captain for tomorrow’s match against Bhutan.”

Receiving the Captain’s armband Topu said, “After 2018, we once again have the opportunity to play in the SAFF tournament here in Dhaka.

Beyond performing at my own best, I will also look to inspire the team. Bangladesh have won the SAFF Championship only once, back in 2003. Now, 23 years later, the team is hopeful of clinching the title again.

We have a real chance to become champions this time, and we want to make that happen.”

Hamza Choudhury is Bangladesh’s key asset. Due to the timing of the FIFA window, he will not be available for the match against Bhutan.

Hamza is set to arrive in Dhaka before the game against Sri Lanka. Topu hopes for a strong start before Hamza joins the squad. “We will certainly miss Hamza tomorrow.

We want to get off to a good start against Bhutan to set a solid foundation for him-so that once he arrives, he can help us push even further forward, ” Topu said.