Father and son celebrate victory at Inter-Bishwanath Tournament.

Published: 27 June 2025

On 15 June, the vibrant green of Mably Green came alive once again as the Bishwanath Sports Association (BSA) hosted its annual Inter-Bishwanath Football Tournament, a much-anticipated event uniting communities from across the UK with roots in Bishwanath Thana, Sylhet.

Now in its eighth year, the tournament continues to serve a dual purpose: to foster unity and brotherhood among Bishwanath-origin communities, and to scout talented players ahead of the prestigious Upazila tournaments organised by Sonali Othith UK. This grassroots approach has proven effective; Bishwanath FC has famously claimed the Upazila title four consecutive times and enters the upcoming tournament as firm favourites once again.

“This tournament gives us a great opportunity to bring all the Bishwanath people together, focusing on something we all love; football,” said Mr Dawlath Khan Babul, Honorary President of BSA.

This year’s tournament attracted 10 teams from across the UK, stretching as far as Bradford and Coventry:

Team Bradford
Team Coventry
Team Birmingham
Team Milton Keynes
Team Essex
BFC Kent
Bishwanath Community Association (BCA)
Bishwanath Sports Organisation (BSO)
London East
London North West

While all teams played with heart and determination, few had additional family backing as seen from Team Birmingham and Team Milton Keynes, where some players were accompanied by their fathers, turning the tournament into a true family affair.

One standout story came from Mamunur Rashid (Rahim), a lifelong football enthusiast from Uttor Khalijuri, Bagicha Bazar, Bishwanath, who made the trip from Birmingham to support both his son, Istiaque Rashid, and younger brother, Humayun Rashid (Rubel).

“I was a passionate footballer in my village over 40 years ago, and now I’m here supporting the youngsters, especially my son Istiaque. I enjoy meeting people from across the UK that are rooted in Biswanath, and I wish all the players and the organisers continued success in this and future tournaments,” Shared Mamunur Rashid.

His presence and encouragement paid off, Team Birmingham triumphed in the final, defeating Team Bradford 2-0 to lift the coveted trophy.

The award ceremony was graced by Cllr Suluk Ahmed, Speaker of Tower Hamlets, alongside representatives from the Bishwanath Probashi Education Trust UK (BPETUK), adding a civic and cultural significance to the celebrations.

This year’s tournament was generously sponsored by Regents College London, with campuses across the capital, and received media support from Mayar Sylhet and London Bangla Voice.