Premier Division Chess League, powered by Shah Cement, will see the highest number of Grand Masters participating in the tournament's history. Seven of the 12 teams consist of a total of 18 GMs in the league, starting tomorrow at the Asia Hotel and Resort in Dhaka.

Five GMs from Bangladesh will feature in the tournament.

Title contenders Saif Sporting Club formed a formidable side boasting a total of five GMs – Niaz Murshed, Enamul Hossain, Reefat Bin Sattar,  FM Taibur Rahman, Mchedlishvili Mikheil from Georgia and Idani Pouya of Iran.
 
Defending champions Bangladesh Police have also formed a strong side by roping in four GMs – Ziaur Rahman, Abdullah Al Rakib, Erigaisi Arjun and Gukesh D of India and IM Fahad Rahman and FM Mehedi Hasan.

Bangladesh Biman, Sheikh Russel Chess Club, newcomers Rupali Bank Krira Parishad and Manha's Castle also signed two GMs from India. Titas Club signed one Grand Master.