Cox’s Bazar, known for its sea beach, has also produced football talent. Among the district’s notable footballers is Touhidul Alam Sabuj, who has spent years establishing himself in the country’s domestic football circuit.
Sabuj has played for some of the country’s leading clubs, including Bashundhara Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League, and has also represented the national team. His experience as a forward, goal-scoring ability and sustained presence in domestic football have made him an inspiration for young footballers in Cox’s Bazar.
Born in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, on September 14, 1990, Sabuj began his football journey as a child. He made his senior-level debut for Chattogram Abahani in the 2005–06 season.
After spending four seasons with the club, he joined Farashganj in the 2009–10 season. He moved to Sheikh Jamal after a season and scored 14 goals for the club.
Sabuj later played for Dhaka Mohammedan and Chattogram Abahani. In the 2018–19 season, he joined Bashundhara Kings from Chattogram Abahani for Tk50 lakh. He currently plays for the club wearing jersey number 11.
Primarily a centre-forward, Sabuj can also play on the right and left flanks when needed. Standing 1.68 metres tall, he has maintained his place in domestic football through years of experience.
Sabuj made his debut for a Bangladesh age-group national side in 2010, playing for the under-23 team. On November 7 that year, he appeared for Bangladesh against Uzbekistan’s under-23 team at the Asian Games. It was his only appearance for the age-group side.
Earlier, he had made his senior national team debut in a friendly against Tajikistan on February 16, 2010. He was then 19 years, five months and three days old.
He came on as a substitute for Abdul Baten Majumdar Komol in the 70th minute. Bangladesh won the match 2–1.
Sabuj played three matches for the national team in his debut year. Records show he has made 10 appearances for Bangladesh since his international debut.
His club honours include three titles, two with Sheikh Jamal and one with Bashundhara Kings. His experience of playing for several leading domestic clubs over a long period has enriched his career.
MR Mahbub, president of the Cox’s Bazar chapter of the Bangladesh Sports Press Association, said, “Touhidul Alam Sabuj is a pride of Cox’s Bazar football. He has proved his ability and experience by playing for the country’s top clubs for a long time.
“His representation of Bangladesh in the national team is also an inspiration for young footballers in Cox’s Bazar. His long journey, hard work and achievements as a player will encourage the new generation to take up football.
“We want many more talented footballers like Sabuj to emerge from Cox’s Bazar and contribute to the country’s football.”
By Tarekur Rahman
Photo: Collected
