On March 25, 1971, Pakistani occupation forces suddenly attacked the unarmed Bengali people. On March 26, Bangabandhu formally announced the independence of Bangladesh. After a nine-month Liberation War led by Bangabandhu, the attackers surrendered on December 16, 1971. Independent and sovereign Bangladesh was established by freeing it from the clutches of the enemy through the attainment of victory on December 16. The emergence of Bangladesh following the final victory in the Liberation War is the greatest achievement of the Bengalis.

December 16 remains ever-fresh in memory of the Bengali nation. Victory Day is a joyous emotional event. It is a unique day of glory in our national life.  In this world, how many countries have attained victory at the cost of so much sacrifice? Our victory is a history of self-sacrifice, unbelievable courage, and bravery.

To the Bashundhara Group chairman, his sports-loving children who hold responsible positions, and other officials and employees, the number 16 is very dear and joyous. Everyone cherishes the number in their hearts to remember Victory Day. All investments and initiatives of Bashundhara Group have been Bangladesh centered. And, these are dedicated to the well-being of the country and its people.

Bashundhara Kings has been born to make the Victory Day, December 16, memorable in the football arena. Not as a ‘generic’ team, the forward-looking executive committee consisting of professionals relentlessly worked to establish Bashundhara Kings as a ‘value added’ brand.

The slogan of Bashundhara Kings is ‘BORN TO BEAT,’ which means it has been born to become victorious. And, this victory is not only in the fight on the ground. It is against all odds that come on the way in the development of football. Kings are not ready to concede defeat. The victory of the Kings means good football and victory in fulfilling the demand of the time. It is the victory of a new culture. Bashundhara Kings wants to enjoy the victory in football taking all partners in its fold. It does not dream alone; rather it dreams collectively taking all partners with it.

That the executive committee of the club is capable of presenting the gift of the ‘crown of greatness’ along with consistency is best exemplified by the Bashundhara Kings. It has clinched the Bangladesh Premier League title in their inaugural appearance. It became champions four times in a row in the Premier League. It is throwing challenges to its nearest rival time and again. There is no previous instance of creating records one after another.

In club football, all the activities should be done thinking about many things. In this sphere, the club supporters and fans are most important. Club President Imrul Hassan said, “Club supporters and fans are used to say, ‘It is our game today’. They also say, ‘Our game will be played tomorrow or the day after. Without supporters, a game is like witnessing a dance without songs and music.’

Eleven players, coaching staff, support staff, team management, Bashundhara Group and management have properly reflected the philosophy of number 16. The supporters have the exclusive right of the number 16 jersey to keep the Victory Day memorable. On the ground, it is not the players, but the supporters and fans who are entitled to wear the number 16 jersey. In future also, it will not be handed over to any player. When Bashundhara Kings went to India to play football, the journalists wanted to know from Bashundhara Kings President Imrul Hassan the reason for wearing the red jersey of number 16 by supporters. In reply, he said, “We are very proud of number 16. And, that is why we have kept the number in fans’ jerseys. In our every match, all of our supporters come to the field wearing the number-16 jersey. After the founding of the club, we have not handed over the number 16 to any footballer. In future also, none of the club will get the jersey having this number. This is only meant for the supporters.

The writer is former senior vice-president of the International Sport Press Association (AIPS) Asia.