FIFA World Cup fever has overwhelmed the world and has even touched the political sphere of Bangladesh.
Many political leaders in the country are as enraptured by the World Cup’s games as any fan and often raise loud voices in support of their favourite teams.
Most of the ruling Awami League (AL) are biggest fans of the Brazil and Argentina national teams, says a report on bdnews24.com.
AL Chair and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had already proclaimed her support for Brazil, but party General Secretary Obaidul Quader has remained coy about his preferences.
Meanwhile Bangladesh Awami League Presidium member Abdur Razzak is an unrepentant supporter of Argentina.
He says he never misses any football match played by his favourite team and tries to keep his schedule free whenever one is on.
Another Presidium member, Faruk Khan, says he supported Germany. The defending champions, like many others in recent tournaments, dropped out in the first round.
Mahbubul Alam Hanif, the joint general secretary of the Awami League, is a fan of Brazil.
“Brazil is a team of modern football and they play with rhythm. I have long been a big fan of Brazil.”
Two other joint general secretaries, Jahangir Kabir Nanok and Abdur Rahman, are fans of Argentina.
AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud put his support behind Belgium this year, while his son is supporting Argentina.
Office Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap is a fan of Japan.
“They always play well. That is why I like the team,” he said.
Organising Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury supports Brazil. Another organising Secretary Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel has chosen to hide his support, but, like General Secretary Obaidul Quader, hinted it was either Brazil and Argentina.
Cultural Secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil and his wife Apu Ukil, a founding joint convener of the Bangladesh Jubo Mahila League, are fans of Argentina.
Organising Secretary Abu Sayeed Al Mahmud Swapan said he enjoys World Cup matches but does not support any specific team.
Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary Delwar Hossain said, “I support the team that plays well among those who have never won the World Cup’s trophy.”
Workers' Party President and Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon is a long-time supporter of Brazil, as is JSD President and Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, who was once a football player in his youth.
Sharif Nurul Ambia, the president of the other JSD faction, supports both Brazil and Germany.
Communist leader Dilip Barua said he has been a fan of the Argentine team since his childhood.
Chairman of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation (BTF) Alhaj Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizbhandari said, he has been a dedicated Brazil supporter for a long time, but said it clashes with his family, including his wife and children, are avid fans of Argentina.