The unfinished club complex, overgrown with wild vines, and the barren playground edged with weeds offer a stark picture of Abahani’s recent struggles. 

But on Sunday, the Dhanmondi club tent presented a different scene as former stars from football, hockey and cricket, club officials and the newly assembled football squad gathered to mark the start of preparations for the new football season.

For a club long associated with success in Bangladesh sport, the contrast was striking.

Abahani have endured a difficult period since the mass uprising of 2024, as the absence of several club directors and patrons triggered a financial crisis. Their problems were compounded by FIFA registration bans imposed, putting their participation in the top-flight league under serious threat.

Although the club eventually cleared the bans, the delay affected their recruitment. Many of their preferred players had already committed elsewhere, leaving Abahani to build a squad that lacks some of the star power traditionally associated with the six-time professional league champions.

Yet, the mood at the club on Sunday was one of determination rather than despair.

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Former Abahani stars Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, Sheikh Ashraf Ali, Golam Gaus and Iqbal Hossain were among those who turned up to encourage the current generation.

Aslam, one of Abahani's most celebrated forwards, recalled how previous generations had endured difficult periods before restoring the club to the top.

“Abahani had gone through such a transition period before, and we, the players, also sacrificed a lot and guided Abahani to become champions,” Aslam told the players.

“Wearing the Abahani jersey, we want you to take the club to another level by working hard. We are with you in any crisis.”

Ashraf, a member of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team, also urged the players to embrace the responsibility of representing Abahani.

“Be competitive on the ground and treat every opponent like an enemy. Do hard training and, beyond the official sessions, work individually to overcome your limitations,” he said.

Under coach Maruful Haque, Abahani finished runners-up in each of the last two seasons despite their limitations. This time, Maruful will again attempt to challenge for the major trophies with a squad featuring four senior internationals, four members of the U-20 national team, two U-17 players, four Nigerian recruits and several established players retained from last season.

Newly appointed manager Shahid Hossain Swapan believes the club is close to overcoming its troubles.

“Abahani had faced such a crisis before and overcame it. I think we have almost overcome the crisis this time as well. We are about to bounce back,” he said.

Defender Yeasin Khan, who has remained with Abahani through the difficult past two seasons, was encouraged by the gathering.

“It is really encouraging to see former Abahani players turning up at the club tent. Their presence will definitely create an environment that can inspire the players. We want to become champions,” Yeasin said.

It may not yet resemble the Abahani of their golden years, but Sunday's gathering suggested that after two seasons of uncertainty, the club is determined to rebuild and begin another chapter.