06/10/2024
As the parched earth, cracked under the scorching heat of summer, savors the taste of revival with the first rains of monsoon, so too did Tariq Kazi enter the decaying football scene of this country like a prince, bringing with him the essence of that first rainfall.
Though his mother was Finnish, his father was Bangladeshi. Growing up, he listened to his father’s tales of Bangladesh and the heroic stories of his grandfather in the Liberation War. Even from thousands of miles away, it seemed as though he could hear the call of his motherland, as if he could smell the fragrance of Bangladesh’s soil.
The pull of one’s roots is a strange thing. Otherwise, why would a boy who was destined for a bright future in Finland pack his bags and make the bold decision to come to Bangladesh? Only for the love of his roots, only for the love of where he came from.
Tariq’s early football career seemed complete in every sense—playing in Finland's top tier, competing in the Europa League qualifiers, and representing various Finnish national youth teams. Three of his teammates from those days even played for Finland in Euro 2020.
Yet despite all these sacrifices, Tariq’s start in Bangladesh was far from pleasant. Some people repeatedly tried to keep him away from the national team, labeling him injury-prone and claiming he wouldn’t adapt to the Asian playing conditions. But all their efforts were in vain when Tariq made his debut in June 2021 during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan.
From that point onward, there was no looking back for Tariq. He has been moving forward with his own strength, with his own glory.
Happy Birthday to the prince of Bangladesh football, Tariq Kazi ❤️
May the path to Bangladesh’s victory on the world stage be led by your hands 🇧🇩
