A global initiative of the FIFA Foundation has officially launched in Bangladesh for the first time, aiming to empower underprivileged children in Dhaka through football. The programme, titled “Playing for Peace: Empowering Dreams through Soccer”, is being implemented by the OBHIZATRIK Foundation under the FIFA Foundation Community Program.

The soft launch event took place today at the Conference Hall of the Dhaka District Commissioner’s Office. The initiative is set to engage over 1,000 children from underserved communities across Dhaka over the next two years, offering structured football training, tournaments, and educational workshops.

The event was attended by key figures including Tanvir Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Dhaka, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Also present were Razia Sultana, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate, and Ahmed Imtiaz Jami, Founder and President of OBHIZATRIK Foundation.

In his remarks, Ahmed Imtiaz Jami expressed his excitement about bringing this global initiative to Bangladesh. “It is a matter of pride and honour for OBHIZATRIK Foundation to partner with the FIFA Foundation for the first time in Bangladesh,” he said. Highlighting the importance of the initiative, he added, “Sports can create harmony — so let’s play football, let’s play for peace.”

The FIFA Foundation Community Program has previously been implemented in 57 countries, supporting organisations that use football as a tool for social change. Bangladesh now joins this global network with OBHIZATRIK Foundation leading the charge.

Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed praised the effort, saying, “I am proud to see OBHIZATRIK Foundation and FIFA Foundation coming together to transform a playground into a platform for peace.” He also pledged full support from the district administration to ensure the programme’s success.

Echoing the sentiment, Assistant Commissioner Razia Sultana said, “I truly believe ‘Playing for Peace’ can bring lasting social impact to underprivileged communities.”

The programme also received appreciation from the Bangladesh Para Football Federation. Its Founder and Secretary, Md. Badiuzzaman Al-amin, noted, “In the underprivileged communities, professional sports training is rare, especially for children with disabilities. We’re glad OBHIZATRIK is making it possible.”

The event included a detailed presentation outlining the programme’s goals, strategies, and impact expectations. It concluded with an open Q&A session, where teachers and local football coaches discussed how best to implement the initiative at the grassroots level.

As a symbolic gesture, young participants posed for a group photo holding the FIFA Foundation flag and football — a moment that captured the spirit of unity, hope, and the power of sport to drive positive change.