Bangladesh star Hamza Choudhury's home debut at the National Stadium is becoming a reality as officials from Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) visited the venue today to assess the ongoing renovation progress.

The Sheffield United midfielder made his international debut in the AFC Cup Qualifying match against India on March 25 in Shillong. Now, the board is aiming to host Bangladesh's upcoming match against Singapore on June 10 at the National Stadium -- formerly known as Bangabandhu National Stadium -- which has been undergoing extensive renovations since 2021.

Initially, BFF had planned to hold the match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena due to the extended renovation schedule. However, the renovation work, worth 158 crore, is nearly complete, with only a few minor tasks remaining.

"We all came here after honourable [Youth and Sports] adviser [Asif Mahmud] assured us that Hamza will make his home debut at the National Stadium," said BFF vice-president Fahad Karim, speaking to reporters after inspecting the venue along with executive members Iqbal Hossain, Golam Gaus, Kamrul Islam Hiton, Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, and officials of the NSC engineering department.

"You know the youth and sports ministry and National Sports Council have been working to fix all things, so we are getting confidence with the activities of them. In this perspective, what we have initially seen today is that the venue has been in good condition at the moment, though there are some works left.

"We want to host the June 10 match here. If a player like Hamza will make his debut here, it will be a proud thing for all. We are hopeful to host it, though there are some requirements to host a football match. BFF will do everything to make it happen," further informed Karim, adding that they would form a three-member committee to look after the National Stadium, which is a special venue for the BFF.

Following the inspection, BFF requested National Sports Council (NSC) to construct separate rooms next to the international dressing rooms for the match commissioner and referees, as required for international matches. Additionally, they asked NSC to finalise the lighting specifications for the newly installed LED floodlights, ensure the giant screen is operational, and test the electronic perimeter board, which has yet to be tested.

The National Stadium has undergone significant transformations, including the installation of a PVDF membrane shed in the East and West galleries, colourful chairs in all seating areas, a newly laid green pitch, a complete press and VIP box, and the addition of a red athletic track surrounding the pitch.