When Bangladesh's national football team take the field, it's not just players or the federation who benefit -- local vendors thrive too, like shoals of small fish following a big one. Ahead of Bangladesh's AFC Asian Cup Qualifying tie against India at the National Stadium in Dhaka yesterday, this was on full display.
Former national right-back Mamun Mia, 38, noted the unprecedented enthusiasm, with fans at Gate No.4 streaming in wearing the newly designed national jerseys. "We never had such well-designed kits that could draw so much interest," he said.
The jerseys, combined with foreign-groomed stars like Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome, drew fans to both official shops and street vendors regardless of how the team had been performing.
Even three to four hours before kick-off, the area around the stadium turned into a bustling marketplace. With official jerseys priced high, many bought unauthorised versions sold on the street for Tk 150–250. Vendors also offered flags, placards, food, drinks, and storage service for backpacks -- banned inside the stadium -- turning national pride into profit.
"I came to sell it for the first time, and fans are buying happily," said vendor Mannan, who sold nearly 30 of his 50 jerseys. Hedayet, near Dainik Bangla intersection, sold 200 on the day, after selling 42 the previous day. Vendor Babu noted that jerseys with Hamza's name weren't stocked as sellers fear named kits to remain unsold.
Jasim from Savar, normally a day labourer, also capitalised on the match, selling flags, scarves, and merchandise. "I can make Tk 1,200–2,000 per match," he said, adding that he usually sells during cricket matches.
Fans were equally eager. Mohammad Rashed, visiting from Hemayetpur, attended his first international match and bought a jersey, while Shakil and Riaz arrived three hours early to avoid crowds. One artist sold Hamza-themed placards for Tk 100 and offered custom designs.
Inside, co-sponsors ran promotions, letting fans take photos with Hamza and share reactions. Black-market tickets, once common, were notably absent, as all tickets sold out quickly.
From jerseys to flags and food, Bangladesh's international football fixtures have become a thriving ecosystem for small businesses, showing how national pride can ripple through local communities.
