Passion knows no borders! In Bangladesh, where football fever has been burning bright for decades, there's a love affair with two South American powerhouses that's as intense as it is enduring. The nation of over 170 million people – along with its global diaspora – can't get enough of Argentina and Brazil. In fact, nearly 20% of the Guardian's live blog traffic for Argentina's opening match on 16th June originated from Bangladesh, a staggering testament to their sheer scale of engagement.
It all started in the 1970s, when broadcasting infrastructure improved, and Brazilians were riding high on Pelé's international fame. The parallels between the struggles of a newly formed nation like Brazil (after decolonisation) and those of Bangladesh resonated deeply with its people. Mehedi Farhana, an associate pharmacist born in Bangladesh, remembers her 1980s third-grade history textbook detailing Pelé's story – a rags-to-riches tale that mirrored the aspirations of a developing nation.
The 1986 World Cup was a turning point. With colour television ownership on the rise, many Bangladeshis watched the tournament live for the first time via BTV. Argentina and Brazil captivated audiences, cementing a cultural obsession that's now spanned decades. And what sealed their fate as national darlings? That quarter-final victory over England in 1986! The infamous 'Hand of God' goal by Diego Maradona still sends shivers down the spines of many Bangladeshis – a triumph against a former colonial power.
For Shahidul Partha, now a software engineer in Pennsylvania, watching World Cup matches on his family's 14-inch black-and-white TV in Kulkandi, Bangladesh was a communal affair. Up to 80 villagers would gather around the screen, erupting into cheers whenever Brazil or Argentina scored. That collective energy is what he remembers most – moments of profound connection that transcend borders.
Onyx Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi American living in Long Island, New York puts it best: 'These big stars are coming up, and they’re defeating the nations who occupied before.' For many Bangladeshis, seeing these teams succeed on the global stage – particularly against former colonial powers – plays a significant role in their emotional investment and deep affection for Argentina and Brazil.