Renowned former FIFA Elite Referee and National Sports Award recipient Tayeb Hasan Shamsuzzaman is currently participating in the FIFA-organised Referee Instructors' Seminar in Baghdad, Iraq.
Having arrived on the seventh of May, Shamsuzzaman joined a selected group of experienced refereeing instructors from across the globe for this prestigious training programme. No stranger to the international spotlight, Shamsuzzaman holds the distinction of being Bangladesh's longest-serving international referee, representing the country under FIFA for an impressive 18 years.
Over the course of his illustrious career, he officiated in more than 100 international matches and served on the Asian Football Confederation's elite referees panel for a decade. A trailblazer in every sense, Shamsuzzaman became the first South Asian to officiate as the head referee in a SAFF Championship final in 2013, held in Nepal.
The jersey he wore during that historic match was later auctioned for BDT 555,000, with the proceeds donated to support COVID-19-affected individuals, a gesture that won him praise both at home and abroad. In fact, FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally commended him in writing for his humanitarian efforts.
In 2022, he was honoured with Bangladesh's highest sporting accolade, the National Sports Award, and he once again demonstrated his philanthropic spirit by donating the full monetary prize to assist undernourished children in the coastal district of Satkhira. Currently attending sessions in Baghdad, Shamsuzzaman is contributing his vast knowledge and experience to discussions on modern refereeing strategies, training methodologies, and the integration of technology in officiating.
His presence at the seminar stands as a point of pride not only for Bangladesh but also for South Asian football as a whole.
Speaking on his involvement, a fellow delegate remarked, "Mr Shamsuzzaman's depth of understanding and commitment to ethical refereeing is second to none. He continues to inspire the next generation of match officials across the region."
Tayeb Hasan Shamsuzzaman is expected to return to Bangladesh on 12 May. His participation in this global forum reaffirms his role as a torchbearer for excellence and integrity in South Asian refereeing. Indeed, a moment of honour for Bangladesh as well.
