Cox’s Bazar is known worldwide for its sea beach. But Mohammad Ibrahim, a son of Chakaria, is putting the district on the football map. From running with a ball on local grounds to becoming a regular member of the national team, winning titles with some of the country’s leading clubs and scoring on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge League stage, Ibrahim has emerged as a source of inspiration for young footballers in Chakaria and across Cox’s Bazar. His journey demonstrates that players from remote areas can also achieve national and international recognition.
Ibrahim joined Fortis FC on loan in August 2026. He scored the only goal in the club’s AFC Challenge League preliminary-round match against Kyrgyzstan’s Muras United, securing Fortis’s place in the main round. Following that performance, the club signed him on a permanent basis.
Born on August 7, 1997, Ibrahim can play as a winger on either flank and can also operate as an attacking midfielder. He is comfortable with both feet, although his left-footed shots are particularly effective.
In domestic football, Ibrahim has represented Bashundhara Kings, Dhaka Abahani, Saif Sporting Club and Sheikh Russel. With Bashundhara Kings, he won four Bangladesh Premier League titles and three Federation Cup titles. He joined traditional powerhouse Abahani in 2024 and remained a regular performer.
Ibrahim made his international debut against Laos on October 1, 2018. Since then, he has played more than 42 international matches and scored four goals against Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Turkmenistan and Malaysia. He was also part of the championship-winning Bangladesh team in the 2020 Mujib Year FIFA International Football Series.
His honours include four Bangladesh Premier League titles, three Federation Cup titles and the 2020 Mujib Year FIFA International Football Series championship.
Now a permanent Fortis player, attention will be on how far Ibrahim’s pace and dribbling can take the club in the main round of the AFC Challenge League.
Mohammad Ibrahim, who rose from the football grounds of Chakaria in Cox’s Bazar, has established himself as a regular presence in Bangladesh football. His speed, dribbling and ability to create attacks from either flank have made him a familiar figure in both domestic and international football.
M R Mahbub, president of the Cox’s Bazar chapter of the Bangladesh Sports Press Association, said Ibrahim was a source of pride not only for Chakaria but for the entire district.
“Ibrahim is a source of pride for the whole of Cox’s Bazar, not just Chakaria. The district was known for its sea beach, but it is now becoming better known for football as well.
Mohammad Ibrahim, along with national team goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Ziku, Touhidul Alam Sabuj and Sushanta Tripura, has risen from remote areas of Cox’s Bazar to establish himself in the national team and on the international stage.
This is a major inspiration for our young players. With the right opportunities and hard work, more players like Ibrahim can emerge from Cox’s Bazar,” he said.
By Tarekur Rahman
Photo: Courtesy
