FIFA World Cup 2022’s victorious goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, paid a courtesy visit to the office of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the city on Monday.
During their meeting, the Prime Minister commended the Argentine footballer for his exceptional performance, which played a significant role in securing the Football World Cup 2023 title. She expressed her admiration, stating, “You are the man who brought glory to Argentina. I wish you continued success.” The Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Ihsanul Karim, briefed reporters following the meeting.
Prime Minister Hasina acknowledged the worldwide popularity of football and the immense enthusiasm for the game among Bangladeshis. Highlighting her family’s affinity for sports, she shared, “My father and grandfather were footballers.” The Prime Minister also mentioned her government’s efforts in constructing mini-stadiums at the upazila level across Bangladesh to promote football and other sports.
Emiliano Martinez, the recipient of the Golden Gloves award at the FIFA World Cup 2022, expressed his overwhelming joy upon learning about the sizable fanbase of Argentine football in Bangladesh. “I am delighted to be here and to discover the passion for football among Bangladeshis,” he remarked.
Accompanying Martinez were Satadru Dutta, the Indian organizer and Founder of the A Satadru Dutta initiative, and Santiago Liotta, an Italian lawyer and personal manager of Martinez.
Several dignitaries were present during the meeting, including LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Swapan Bhattacharjee, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Sheikh Helal Uddin MP, and Sheikh Tonmoy MP.
