Neither Argentina, Nor Brazil, a Unique Netherlands Supporter in Narayanganj
Photo: Agamir Somoy
With the football World Cup set to begin in just a few days, excitement is running high across Bangladesh, just like among millions of football fans around the world. While supporters of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, or France are usually the most visible in the country, this time a completely different football enthusiast has drawn attention in Narayanganj.
He is not a fan of any of the usual football powerhouses, but a devoted supporter of the Netherlands (Dutch) national football team. His name is Mohammad Badruddoza Laskar, and he has transformed his entire home into a living collection dedicated to Dutch football.
The 46-year-old Badruddoza Laskar lives in a house named “Mayakanon” in the NLC (Laxmi Narayan Cotton Mill) area of West Enayetnagar, Ward No. 8 of Siddhirganj in Narayanganj. By profession, he is a government official and is currently working as an Accounts Officer at Agailejhara Upazila in Barishal.
Despite his busy professional life, his deep love for Dutch football becomes clear the moment one steps into Mayakanon. Inside the house, the walls are dominated by shades of orange everywhere. Over the years, he has collected jerseys, flags, and various memorabilia related to his favorite team. Not stopping at collection alone, he has also laid a carpet on the floor to create an impressive and well-designed mini stadium measuring about 8 feet by 12 feet. At first glance, it hardly feels like a home in Bangladesh; rather, it looks like a small football museum in the Netherlands.
Speaking about his passion, Badruddoza said that he built this collection over a long journey of 16 years, from 2010 to 2026. His collection includes around 80 to 85 jerseys and T-shirts of nearly 60 different designs of the Netherlands team, ranging from 1988 to the present day.
The most precious item in his collection is a historic Netherlands jersey from 1974, which he managed to bring from France through a friend. In addition, his collection features cups with the Dutch logo, practice kits, water bottles, mugs, plates, footballs, key rings, and even a lungi designed with the Netherlands football team theme.
His connection with football dates back to his childhood. Badruddoza said his deep love for the Netherlands team began in 1988, when the team became European champions, a moment that left a lasting impression on him and sparked a lifelong passion.
This supporter is quite confident about the Dutch team in this World Cup. Speaking about the strength of the current squad, Badruddoza said, “Our defense is the strongest this time. We have world-class defenders like Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, Micky van de Ven, Stefan de Vrij, and Dumfries. With Frenkie de Jong in midfield and attackers like Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, and Weghorst up front, I am very optimistic about the team. I hope we can achieve something special.”
In his professional life, Badruddoza Laskar is successful and leads a happy family of four with his wife and two sons. Interestingly, however, he is the only supporter of the Netherlands in the entire household. His wife is an ardent fan of football powerhouse Argentina.
On the other hand, his 10-year-old elder son, Amir Hamza Laskar, and his 6-year-old younger son, Saad Abdullah Tayeb, are both die-hard supporters of Germany.
Amir Hamza said, “My father has shown us different sports since we were young, but I like watching Germany play the most.”
The younger son Saad explained his choice with a touch of humor, saying, “My father’s team has no World Cups, but Germany has four. That’s why I love Germany.”
Although the family members support different teams, it has never had any negative impact on their family relationship. Rather, the World Cup has created a festive atmosphere within their home. Friendly teasing, joy, and playful banter have turned football into a unique bond of love within the Laskar family.
This Dutch supporter’s family once again proves that the true beauty of football lies not only in wins and losses on the field, but also in such harmony, togetherness, and pure joy.
