The Bangladesh government on Wednesday initiated a move to ensure the broadcast of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, holding a discussion with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) to address the ongoing telecast uncertainty.

Officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, BFF president Tabith Awal, and BTV Director General Md. Mahbubul Alam were present at the discussion.

The BFF and BTV were asked to work jointly and engage with Springbok, the Singapore-based company that holds the broadcasting rights for Bangladesh, to resolve the issue surrounding the telecast of the World Cup matches.

Tabith confirmed the development to The Daily Star, saying efforts are underway to find a solution.

“I was called for a discussion today. As BFF president, I have access to different stakeholders, and I have been requested to assist BTV by coordinating with them so that they can avoid the high cost of acquiring the FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights. Based on their request and BTV’s advice, I am looking forward to finding a solution,” Tabith said.

Earlier, the Daily Star reported that Springbok is demanding USD 12.30 million (approximately Tk 150.98 crore), excluding applicable taxes, advance income tax, and VAT, from BTV for the broadcasting rights.

However, neither BTV nor any other Bangladeshi broadcaster had agreed to the deal as of yesterday, as the total cost could rise to nearly Tk 200 crore after VAT and taxes.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 12, will feature 104 matches, with the final scheduled for July 20.