Will the trophies and memorabilia of Abahani Club be found again?

"American Digger" was a popular reality TV series on the Discovery Network. Rick Savage, a former professional wrestler known as Frank Huguley, and his team from "American Savage" searched various locations for artifacts. In several episodes, they were seen preparing for these digs like soldiers heading into battle. The series highlighted the efforts of Eastern countries to preserve history and heritage, sparking significant interest among the public. It illustrated how countries around the world prioritize the preservation of history and culture. The preservation of sports heritage and history is also emphasized in sports-advanced countries. Clubs in these nations are rich in history, and special importance is placed on preserving their achievements and traditions.

In Bangladesh, however, the scenario is quite the opposite, particularly in the sports sector. Even 53 years after independence, you will struggle to find significant information about the country's sports history. Who is the highest goal-scorer in Bangladesh football history? Such a question would likely have multiple footballers claiming the title, but proving their claims would be difficult! In the end, you might never find the correct answer because these records have not been preserved. Most of the country's 50-plus national sports federations and associations can't provide accurate data or statistics about their activities. Like the records, the achievements and memorabilia of various clubs have not been properly preserved. A few trophies and memorabilia were stored in some clubs, but as these clubs were attacked at different times, much of that heritage has been lost. The latest example of erasing history and heritage was the assault on the Abahani Club by vandals.

The priceless trophies found in the club's 52-year history were looted

On August 5th, amidst a massive student movement, Sheikh Hasina resigned from the Prime Minister's office and left the country. Just a few hours later, the Dhanmondi-based Abahani Club was attacked. Vandals stormed eight rooms of the temporary club tent, looting chairs, tables, computers, cash, and other furniture. These losses can be recovered easily, but what is irreplaceable is the club's memorabilia and trophies, which were taken as well. The popular club had won numerous trophies across various disciplines such as football, cricket, and hockey, but none of them could be preserved. The ones that had been saved have now become mere memories after the looting. A few trophies have been returned to the club through individuals, but the whereabouts of most of them remain unknown.

The Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Kalabagan Club, and Old Dhaka's Usha Krira Chakra were also attacked. Even Premier Football League's Fortis FC was targeted, with the bus used to transport their academy players being vandalized and set on fire. Although these clubs were attacked, there have been no reports of trophy theft from Sheikh Jamal, Kalabagan, Usha Krira Chakra, or Fortis FC.

Recently, with heavy hearts, former and current athletes of Abahani gathered at the club premises after the attack. Present were figures such as Abdus Sadeq, Dewan Shafiul Arefin Tutul, Ahmed Sajjadul Alam Bobby, Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Chunnu, Abdul Gaffar, Sheikh Mohammed Aslam, Khaled Mahmud Sujon, Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, and Dipu Roy Chowdhury. They all pleaded in unison, "Please return the trophies, the carriers of our heritage." At the same time, they assured that anyone returning the trophies would not face any complications. However, this appeal has not received much response. In such a situation, there isn't much that the members of Abahani can do besides sighing in despair!

This isn't the first time that clubs have lost the memorabilia that encapsulate their history and achievements. After the casino scandal, several clubs in Arambagh remained sealed for years. From 2019 to 2023, many of these clubs were locked up, and when the seals were finally removed in September 2023, the state of the clubs was shocking. Dhaka Wanderers Club, Victoria Sporting Club, Fakirerpool Young Men's Club, Arambagh Krira Sangha, and Dilkusha Sporting Club were all devastated by vandals. Upon opening the main gates, the interiors revealed nothing but rubble. The vandals had taken not only trophies and valuable items but even the fans and lights from the clubs. Dhaka Wanderers, a former powerhouse, once held memorabilia dating back to before the liberation of Bangladesh.

In recent history, the trophy cabinet of Mohammedan SC has not been attacked in such a manner. However, in the late 1970s, many trophies were lost to a fire and the wrath of angry fans. Former hockey and football player and veteran sports organizer of the club, Pratap Shankar Hazra, recalls, "Many memories, including trophies, were destroyed when the club tent caught fire. In 1979, after Mohammedan lost to Wari Club, enraged fans stormed the club, destroying some memories, most of which were from before the liberation."

Established in 1936, Mohammedan Sporting Club now has very few trophies or other memorabilia preserved. Most of the pre-1990 memorabilia are unaccounted for. Those involved blame the authorities’ indifference towards preserving the club's history. Many trophies disappeared during renovations of the club tent. Globally, museums are built to house the historic memorabilia of old clubs, but in Bangladesh, that culture has not developed. The few items that had been preserved in one corner of the club tent have been lost to vandalism over time.

A portrait of Abahani Club founder Sheikh Kamal was set on fire

The trophies won by Abahani at home and abroad are a source of inspiration for the sporting world and are national treasures. Among the club's collection were international trophies such as the Nagri Trophy, Charms Cup, Bordoloi Trophy, and India's Independence Cup. There were also trophies like the Ajmeri Begum Gold Cup, BTC Club Cup, Damfa Cup, National League, Federation Cup, Premier League, Super Cup, Independence Cup, and Agha Khan Gold Cup, in addition to memorabilia from various international tournaments.

After the attack on Abahani, legendary hockey player and former director of the club Abdus Sadeq lamented, "Over the past 50 years, Abahani has been one of the top clubs in the country. We have won countless trophies across various disciplines, but recently, someone took all those memories from the club. Through the media, I want to appeal to them to please return the trophies to the club premises."

Former star footballer Abdul Gaffar also said, "Many of us are now over 60 years old. We will pass away, but the new generation will never get to see Abahani's heritage. For the sake of the youth, please return the trophies." Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, former cricketer and chief selector of the cricket board, expressed his sadness: "I was heartbroken to hear that our club was vandalized and the priceless trophies were stolen. I came to Abahani as a player in 1980 when I was 20 years old. I have countless memories here, both as a player and an organizer. If those who took the trophies return them, I will be overjoyed."

Will the pleas of Abdus Sadeq, Abdul Gaffar, and Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu reach the concerned parties? Will Abahani ever regain its lost memorabilia? It’s difficult to remain optimistic!

Mahbub Sarkar: Sports journalist and analyst.