India initially received an invitation, along with Pakistan and Hong Kong, to this year's Southeast Asian tournament. However, a scheduling conflict with a friendly against Brazil on 3/10 prompted India's withdrawal, after FIFA declined permission for the team to send a B or U23 squad.

Following India's withdrawal, FIFA extended an invitation to Bangladesh, currently ranked 181st globally.

Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Hai Long (18) plays in a friendly match where Vietnam defeated Bangladesh 3-0 at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi on 26/3. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

The National Teams Committee (NTC) of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) convened on 14/8 to discuss the invitation. Chairman Tabith Awal consulted members on whether to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup or host a four-nation group in Dhaka.

"We unanimously agreed to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup as part of our preparation for the SAFF Championship," Sayed Hasan Kanon, an NTC member and a member of the BFF Executive Committee, told the Daily Star. "We will get to compete against stronger opponents, and we will also receive participation prize money, along with provided accommodation and airfare."

A former Bangladesh national team goalkeeper stated that Chairman Tabith and the BFF Secretariat will proceed with the necessary procedures, including sending a letter of confirmation to the organizing committee.

Trung Thu (according to Daily Star)