Abahani Limited Dhaka

Abahani Limited Dhaka, commonly known as Dhaka Abahani or simply Abahani Limited, is one of the most prominent professional football clubs in Bangladesh. Based in the Dhanmondi area of Dhaka, the club competes in the Bangladesh Premier League, the top tier of Bangladeshi football. Over the years, Abahani has become a symbol of sporting excellence, with a rich history intertwined with the nation’s cultural and political heritage.

The Genesis of Abahani Limited

The story of Abahani Limited begins in 1964, during the era of East Pakistan. Harunur Rashid, the former Youth and Sports Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League, played a pivotal role in securing the Dhanmondi field on Road No. 19, which was then owned by the Central National Board (CNB), now known as the Public Works Department (PWD). However, to formalize the transaction, Rashid needed to establish an institution. Thus, in May 1966, he founded Abahani Samaj Kalyan Samiti, a social welfare association aimed at promoting sports, literature, and cultural activities.

Sheikh Kamal’s Vision and Leadership

In 1968, Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, joined Abahani at the behest of his father. Sheikh Kamal, known for his vision and passion for sports, brought a new dynamism to the organization. After the Liberation War of 1971, Sheikh Kamal envisioned creating a new sports club in the newly independent Bangladesh.

During this time, he learned about Iqbal Sporting Club, a sports club in Mohammadpur that had ceased operations during the war. The club, originally managed by the Bihari community, had previously won the second-tier league but was abandoned as its players and officials fled during the war. With legal permission, Sheikh Kamal and his associates restructured Iqbal Sporting Club and integrated it into the Abahani sports cycle.

Establishment of Abahani Limited Dhaka

The reformed club was officially named Abahani Limited, with Nazmul Haque serving as its first president. Harunur Rashid and Mohammad Farooq were appointed as the main secretary and football secretary, respectively. This marked the beginning of Abahani’s journey as a professional football club. Under the leadership of Sheikh Kamal, the club introduced modern training methods and professional management, setting a new standard for Bangladeshi football.

Legacy and Influence

Abahani Limited Dhaka is more than just a football club; it represents a vision of excellence in sports and a dedication to fostering cultural and social unity in Bangladesh. The club has consistently been at the forefront of Bangladeshi football, earning numerous accolades and cultivating a massive fan base. Sheikh Kamal’s legacy and commitment to the development of sports in the country are deeply ingrained in the club’s ethos.

Today, Abahani Limited stands as a beacon of sporting pride, continuing its mission to nurture talent and contribute to the growth of football in Bangladesh while honoring its illustrious history.