The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A three-member AFC delegation, led by its general secretary Dato Paul Mony Samuel, Thursday made a presentation of 'Vision Bangladesh' to National Sports Council (NSC) president and Army Chief Gen. Moeen U Ahmed at the BFF Bhaban.

The delegation, also comprising AFC Vision Asia director Brendan John Menton and development officer Imtiaz ur Rahman, made the presentation following a request made earlier by the NSC president to AFC president Mohammad Bin Hammam during his visit to Bangladesh.

The initial project (pilot project) of the 'Vision Bangladesh' will focus on two districts -- Narayanganj and Chandpur.

Addressing a media briefing, AFC development officer Imtiaz ur Rahman said that under the project, they would sit with the respective DSAs, their administrations and clubs to hold different competitions, including school competitions and youth competitions, under the AFC guidelines.

They will also look after in developing more coaches and referees' training programmes.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president SA Sultan and acting general secretary Manjoor Hossain Malu were present at the media briefing.

AFC general secretary Dato Paul Mony Samuel said: "Vision Asia started few years ago and more than ten Asian countries are under this programme. We now came here to go in full swing and hopefully you will be satisfied as time goes on."

Replying to a question, he informed that the ensuing AFC President's Cup is likely to be held in Kuala Lumpur.

Vision Asia director Brendan Menton informed that during their presentation, the NSC chairman emphasized on the development of football programmes at grassroots level. "This is also very much part of Vision Bangladesh," he said.

"This time we will try to give fresh impetus to achieve goals. We will try to build infrastructure and work with the BFF and number of districts to build a strong base of football."

He also informed that another Vision Bangladesh team would be here very soon to start the pilot project.

Replying to a query about the financial aspect of the project, Menton said that to make it a success, money has to come from different sources. "If you have money but not infrastructure, you won't be successful. Structural issues need to be addressed first, which will not cost a lot of money."

The AFC Vision Asia director also informed that the first phase of the project in two districts would take 12 months and they are taking it as a proper model, which will be suitable for other parts in the country.

Meanwhile, about the process of upcoming election of the BFF billed for April 28, the AFC general secretary said: "I am sure, they know what to do and when to do. Have faith in your people and hope everything will go in the right direction."

Of the three-member AFC delegation, Brendan Menton and Imtiaz ur Rahman leaves here Thursday night while the AFC general secretary leaves Friday morning.