A new chapter has begun for Pakistan football in Bangladesh. Alamgir Ghazi, Hayyan Khattak, Abdullah Shah, Rao Umar Hayat and Shayek Dost have officially been unveiled as the latest signings of Brothers Union, one of the most historic clubs in Bangladeshi football. For five of Pakistan’s most experienced internationals, this move is more than just a transfer.
Debut Set for Gazipur
The Pakistani quintet are set to make their debut against Police FC in Gazipur during the 2025/26 season of the Bangladesh Football League. The match will take place at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium, where all eyes will be on the new foreign recruits. For Pakistani fans, it will be a proud moment. Five national team regulars lining up together in a top flight foreign league does not happen every day.
A Long Wait for the Right Move
All five players have represented Pakistan for many years and have been central figures in the national setup. Yet, their journeys abroad have not been smooth.
They had been waiting for a stable and competitive overseas opportunity for a long time. Recently, Alamgir, Shayek, Rao Umar and Abdullah featured in the Afghanistan league, gaining valuable match experience and proving their adaptability outside Pakistan.
Now, with Brothers Union, they step into a more structured professional environment with history and expectations attached.
The Oranges and Their Legacy
Founded in 1949 by local businessmen in Gopibagh, Brothers Union are one of the traditional powerhouses of Bangladeshi football. Nicknamed the Oranges, the club was a pioneer force in the late 70s and early 80s, competing closely with giants like Abahani Limited Dhaka and Dhaka Mohammedan.
Under legendary coach Abdul Gafur Baloch, who managed the club from 1972 to 1986, Brothers Union built a reputation for nurturing young talent and playing progressive football.
The club lifted its first league title in the 2003–04 season and successfully defended it in 2005. On the continental stage, they jointly won the Aga Khan Gold Cup, becoming the first and only local club to achieve that feat after Bangladesh’s independence.
After relegation at the end of the 2021–22 season, Brothers Union fought back, winning the Championship League in 2022–23 and securing promotion back to the top flight. Their return to the Bangladesh Football League now carries fresh ambition.
This transfer move symbolizes growing football ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. For the players, it is a chance to compete consistently at a higher level. For Brothers Union, it is a calculated investment in proven internationals. If the chemistry clicks, this could be one of the most influential foreign signings in recent Bangladesh Football League seasons.
About the author: Mohsin Rasheed is the Co-founder & Chief editor of Footballer.pk