OBHIZATRIK, FIFA Foundation jointly launch 2nd community prog in Bangladesh

The OBHIZATRIK Foundation, in partnership with the FIFA Foundation, officially launched the second year of the “Playing for Peace: FIFA Foundation Community Programme 2025-2026” through an inauguration ceremony and friendly football match held on Wednesday (August 5) at the Gulshan Youth Club, Football Turf.

As the first Bangladeshi organisation selected as an official partner of the FIFA Foundation Community Programme, OBHIZATRIK Foundation is implementing this global initiative to harness the power of football for youth development, social inclusion, leadership, and peacebuilding. 

The programme, now active in 139 countries worldwide, aims to create positive social change by combining football with education, life skills, and psychosocial support.

Since its introduction in Bangladesh in 2025, the programme has been providing year-round opportunities for approximately 1,100 children and adolescents, including 1,000 underprivileged boys and girls and 50 children with intellectual disabilities, through regular football training, tournaments, life skills education, psychosocial counselling, and educational activities.

Building on the success of its first year, the programme will continue to expand in 2026 with regular football training sessions, quarterly tournaments, specialized football sessions for children with intellectual disabilities, life skills education, digital learning activities, psychosocial support, community campaigns, and recreational events designed to foster confidence, teamwork, leadership, and peaceful coexistence among young people.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Abdur Rahman Suny, Assistant Private Secretary-2 (APS-2) to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Fahad Karim, Vice President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), and Dr. Wahiduzzaman (Tamal), President of Gulshan Youth Club Limited, attended the ceremony as Special Guests.

The event also brought together Ahmed Imtiaz Jami, President of OBHIZATRIK Foundation, members of the Foundation, coaches, volunteers, programme beneficiaries, parents, representatives from development organizations, members of the media, and football enthusiasts.

As part of the inauguration, children participating in the programme played an exciting friendly football match, celebrating teamwork, inclusion, and fair play. The champion team received the winners’ trophy, while every participating player was awarded a commemorative medal in recognition of their dedication and participation.

Abdur Rahman Suny, Assistant Private Secretary-2 (APS-2) to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, praised the initiative, stating:

“The work being carried out by OBHIZATRIK Foundation demonstrates how football can become a powerful platform for youth development and social transformation. I sincerely appreciate this initiative and look forward to continuing my support for OBHIZATRIK Foundation and its efforts to empower children across Bangladesh.”

Fahad Karim said, “OBHIZATRIK Foundation has brought great pride to Bangladesh by becoming the country’s first official partner of the FIFA Foundation Community Programme. Football is much more than a game�"it develops discipline, leadership, teamwork, and confidence. This initiative will undoubtedly make a lasting contribution to the development of young people in Bangladesh.”

Dr. Wahiduzzaman (Tamal) said, “We are delighted to host this inspiring initiative at Gulshan Youth Club. Programmes like ‘Playing for Peace’ demonstrate how sports can unite communities and create meaningful opportunities for children. We remain committed to supporting such initiatives in the future.”

Ahmed Imtiaz said, “Being selected as Bangladesh’s first official partner of the FIFA Foundation Community Programme is both a privilege and a responsibility. Our vision extends beyond developing football players�"we aim to nurture confident, compassionate, and responsible young leaders. Through football, education, and life skills, we hope to create lasting opportunities for every child to reach their full potential.”

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue using football as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and peacebuilding. Through the continued partnership between the FIFA Foundation and OBHIZATRIK Foundation, the programme will further strengthen opportunities for children and young people while promoting a more inclusive and peaceful Bangladesh.