PWD eye glory after remarkable comeback

While many government-backed organisations distanced themselves from football over the years, Public Works Department Sporting Club (PWD SC) have scripted a remarkable comeback, returning to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after more than three decades.

Once a dominant force before and after the country's liberation, the 70-year-old club is now eyeing a return to its former glory.

With three matches still remaining in the second-tier Bangladesh Championship League (BCL), PWD SC have already secured promotion to the BPL, thanks to an unassailable lead. Their campaign, however, began inauspiciously -- with a loss and two draws -- but they soon found momentum and have barely stumbled since.

The club had been absent from top-flight football since their relegation from the then Dhaka Premier Division League in 1994. For years, they remained stuck in the lower tiers, caught in cycles of promotion and relegation.

Their chance came in the 2023–24 season, when they met the Bangladesh Football Federation's criteria to enter the BCL. They narrowly missed promotion that season by a single point, but remained determined. This time, they built a stronger squad -- and the results followed.

"The start was really challenging," said head coach Anwar Hossain. "Nothing was ready. Players even had to clean our club tent in Segunbagicha because our planned camp at Sheikh Jamal DC fell through.

"We began with only two days of training. I barely knew some of the players. Unsurprisingly, we lost our first match and drew the second. But after that, we have performed really well, except for one match."

Anwar, an AFC 'A' Licence holder, who worked six years at BKSP, credited the team's turnaround to experienced BPL players and a potent attacking unit -- two of whom combined for 14 goals. Goalkeeper Anik Hossain also earned praise for saving two penalties that secured six vital points.

He also highlighted the club management's role. "They ensured we had the facilities we needed and have paid 80 percent of players' dues," said Anwar, who previously played for Abahani, Mohammedan SC, and Sheikh Russel KC.

Manager Iftekharul Islam praised president Shamim Akther and general secretary Moshiur Akanda for leading the club's revival.

"Former general secretary Masud made the first attempt to revive PWD SC in football, and then the current president and general secretary strengthened that initiative by taking it on as a form of social work, as well as an effort to restore PWD SC's glorious past," informed Iftekharul, adding that the club has some permanent income from FDR and a fuel station near the National Parliament, while sponsors are also offering support.

"Besides, PWD has a strong sports culture compared to other government departments, and that has also helped revive the football team."

PWD SC general secretary Moshiur Akanda informed The Daily Star from Makkah:

"This is a moment of pride and encouragement for everyone involved with the club. We believe that football is more than a game -- it is a powerful tool for youth engagement, discipline, national pride, and institutional identity."

Moshiur, a former member of the BUET football team, added: "We also hope our journey inspires others to re-engage with the game and bring more government-backed teams back into the arena."

As for their BPL ambitions, manager Iftekharul acknowledged the financial pressure. "The budget for BPL is huge. But we're not aiming to build a title-winning team -- just one strong enough to avoid relegation."