The resurgence of Bangladeshi football has been fairytale-esque. Ever since Hamza Chowdhury put on the famous battle armour of the men in red and green, the buzz around the national team has been at an all-time high. Undoubtedly, the key reason has been the number of big-name international footballers who have been stating their desire to play for the Bengal Tigers. Canadian-based Shamit Shome is the most recent addition to that list, recently declaring for Bangladesh.
One of the key men behind Shome’s move is Amit Hassan, who has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring fruition to the dream of millions of people. TBS Graduates sat down with him to talk about his journey, Shome’s recent switch and the future of Bangladeshi football.
1) Since the last time we talked, you’ve gone from a football agent to TikTok Partnership Manager to now a sports marketing consultant. What has the journey been like?
It’s been an exciting and transformative journey. After spending eight years in the sports industry, focusing on athlete management and social media, I had the opportunity to pivot into the digital creator space, working closely with influencers and content publishers on TikTok. That shift was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to expand my skill set, build a stronger network, and collaborate with some truly inspiring creatives.
One of the standout moments was being part of the BFF project, from playing a key role in securing the kit partnership with Dour to helping bring Shamit Shome on board. Seeing those efforts come to life and drive real impact was incredibly fulfilling. For me, the through-line in every role has been clear: storytelling, strategy, and relationship-building. No matter the platform or project, those values continue to guide my work.
2) You’ve been the Technical Director of Next Level Sports Manager since 2020; what do you think needs to be improved at the grassroots level of football in Bangladesh?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to be an integral part of Next Level Sports Manager (NLSM) since 2020, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. From acquiring the right education and certifications to working hands-on with kids and teenagers, improving coaching standards, and engaging with parents, it’s been a comprehensive learning experience.
When it comes to grassroots football in Bangladesh, the biggest need is proper infrastructure. We need well-maintained fields, training facilities, and club-run academies that provide a professional environment from a young age. Development must be intentional and long-term; I truly believe Bangladesh needs a structured 10-year plan. With the right investment and planning today, we can create a generation of players ready to represent the national team in the future.
3) Talk us through the Shamit Shome story.
I got connected with Shamit Shome through social media, leveraging my connections in football. Over the years, I’ve built a network with people in the football community worldwide. One of my friends in Toronto, Intekhab Ahmed, the founder of UFA Canada, organises football tournaments for the Bangladeshi community there. I reached out to him about the tournament, and during our conversations, I encouraged him to blend more with the Bangladeshi football community. I mentioned that he should consider playing for Bangladesh, but at the time, Shamit wasn’t ready.
The arrival of Hamza had a significant influence on the decision. Following this, the vice president of BFF, Fahad Karim, suggested that I reconnect with Shamit. He said, “Why don’t you reach out to him again and see if he’s interested?” After multiple rounds of communication, and with Mr Fahad Karim’s help, we were able to get Shamit on board. He had some queries, which I helped answer, including providing him with the international match schedules and his club’s calendar. We’ve now received his birth certificate, and we’re currently in the process of handling his passport.
4) Can you give us insights into any new players that you are working with?
Currently, I’m working with several promising players and content creators. These include Jamal, Shamit, Imranur Rahman and Neyon & On. Additionally, I manage several other athletes and content creators from Bangladesh, as well as players from Nepal, Sri Lanka and the UAE. It’s an exciting time as I’m helping these players expand their reach and exposure both on and off the field.
5) Do you think this positivity brought on by this influx of foreign-based players will be sustainable, particularly if results do not improve?
Yes, in the short term, I believe it’s sustainable as long as we focus on improving the grassroots football scene and the infrastructure. The arrival of foreign-based players brings much-needed experience and exposure, but long-term success depends on a strong foundation built from the ground up. Developing local talent and improving facilities should be part of a broader plan that integrates foreign players while fostering local talent to ensure sustainability in the long run.
6) Is there a chance of local players being left behind?
I don’t think local players will be left behind. The influx of foreign players will create healthy competition, which will ultimately raise the bar for everyone. The local players will be challenged, and this will push them to improve their skills and performance. I see this as an opportunity for local players to compete at higher levels and grow, benefiting from the experience and insights the foreign players bring.
7) Would you be interested in working as a member of BFF if the opportunity arises?
I’m already involved with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) as a member of the Digital Media Management Committee. In this role, I contribute to the digital growth and media presence of football in Bangladesh. Additionally, I am consulting the Federation on multiple projects. I hope to make even bigger contributions in the future, particularly as the sport continues to evolve in the country.
8) What’s next for Amit Hassan?
Bigger and better things! I’m focused on scaling up my contributions to football, both in Bangladesh and internationally. My goal is to continue working on growing the sport, creating more opportunities for athletes, and helping to elevate football in the country through strategic partnerships and digital media initiatives.