On the eve of the national team's departure for Shillong to face hosts India in their Asian Cup qualifier on March 25, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal found himself addressing a group of disgruntled fans. Their concern centred around the omission of Italy-based teenager Fahamedul Islam from the squad.

Head coach Javier Cabrera had released the young winger from the training camp in Saudi Arabia, explaining that he needed more time to adapt to the team's system and that more suitable options were available.

Media reports, however, later revealed that Fahamedul had grown frustrated during the camp, alleging a lack of support from local teammates in practice matches. He repeatedly voiced his concerns to Cabrera, who, displeased with the player's attitude, ultimately sent him back to Italy. Nevertheless, Cabrera acknowledged the player's talent and praised his efforts during the camp.

The issue resurfaced during Wednesday's meeting of the national teams committee, where the Spanish coach was asked to include Fahamedul -- along with other interested foreign-based players -- in the upcoming training camp for the June 10 fixture against Singapore.

"The meeting focused on our preparations for the Singapore match," BFF media committee chairman Amirul Islam Babu told reporters at the BFF House on Wednesday. "We stressed the need for a strong performance and positive result, and the coach gave his assurance after we discussed the shortcomings from previous games."

Fahamedul's name inevitably popped up in the discussions. "The committee recommended his inclusion in the next camp," Babu confirmed.

"Of course, to field a foreign-based player in the national team, we need the necessary clearances. The BFF president is already trying to get Fahamedul's clearance..."

When asked if the committee had interfered with player selection, Babu clarified that the coach has full authority to include any foreign-based player he sees fit, and the board will support the decision.

To aid preparations, the committee also announced plans for a practice match against a foreign team on June 5.

"With the domestic league ending on May 29, we'll call up the national squad on May 31," said Babu, further informing that Sudan have shown the most interest to play the friendly in Dhaka.

Additionally, the meeting explored the idea of forming a selection committee to assist the head coach, though no final decision was reached. The committee also urged the BFF boss to appoint a foreign goalkeeping coach to strengthen the backroom staff.