Finish footballer Tariq Kazi handed Bangladesh citizenship

Bangladeshi-born Finish footballer Tariq Kazi has been awarded Bangladesh citizenship.

“I’ve got emotional after obtaining the citizenship,” said Tariq who was born to Bangladeshi-parent and brought up there.

The right-back has recently struck a deal with Bangladeshi football club Bashudhara Kings.

Thanks to his excellent football career, Tariq is on the public eye. He played for Finland’s Under-17, Under-19 and Under-19 teams. He also attended Ilves Tampere, the top-level football club in Finland, and played a match at Europa League for his side.

Tariq’s father Shayrul Kazi is a resident of Naogaon district and his mother is a Finish national. Shayrul Kazi is a teacher at the Tampere University of Applied Sciences.

“I always converse with baba in Bangla. Baba wants me to play for Bangladesh. This is my dream. I’ll try my best for this cause,” Tariq told Prothom Alo in broken Bangla.

He also said, “I’ve trained with national team footballers of Bangladesh with Bashundhara Kings’ squad. They are good players.”

However, Bangladesh has accommodated another Bangladeshi-born footballer named Jamal Bhuiyan who is now leading the national squad.

About the matter, Bangladesh’s British coach Jamie Day said, “I heard about Tariq who has recently struck a deal with the Kings. Video footage shows he is a good player. But, I can’t give my verdict until I see him play live.”