Arambagh Krira Sangha were formed in Dhaka way back in 1958. Originally established as a football club, Arambagh later added handball, basketball and volleyball in their roster.
However, they became the first club from Bangladesh who played in final in an international club tournament during 1981 ANFA Cup, hosted by Nepal. They also finished runners-up twice in the Sikkim Gold Cup.[4] In 1997, the club took part in a football tournament at Agartala that marked the golden jubilee of the independence of India. They used to be a top-five finisher prior to 1990, but failed to continue their form later and during 2012–13 season, the club experienced one of its lowest points when it was relegated from the Bangladesh Premier League. Since their return to the top flight again in 2016, their performance graph only shows upward movement.[5]
Moreover, after being appointed as the club president in 2015, Mominul Haque Shaeed made a link-up with Dilkusha and Arambagh Football Academy to collect footballers from grassroots for his club, and those players are now delivering results.
As far as domestic football is concerned, Arambagh emerged as the runners-up three times in the prestigious season-opening Federation Cup, in 1997, 2001 and 2016.
International or domestic football, Arambagh's crowning moment came in the 2017–18 Independence Cup where they defeated established powerhouses on their way to the title.[6]
On 8 April 2017, Arambagh KS appointed former Bangladesh national team head coach Maruful Haque as their new head coach.[8] A few days later Arambagh also became the first club ever to introduce GPS system in Bangladesh football.
On 10 February 2018, Arambagh KS celebrated their first ever domestic silverware[9] in the club's history of about 60 years by defeating defending champion Chittagong Abahani in the final of 2017–18 Independence Cup by 2–0 margin at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.
The champions received taka 500,000 and the runners-up received taka 300,000 as prize money. Besides, Arambagh club management also announced taka 10,00,000 for the entire team.
Arambagh winger Mohammad Arifur Rahman was named the man of the final and also the man of the tournament. Arambagh striker Mohammad Jewel was adjudged the top scorer netting three goals.[10][11]
Subrata Bhattacharya Jr.
On 23 December 2020, Arambagh boys gifted their new Indian head coach Subrata Bhattacharya a winning debut as they beat Brothers Union by 2–0.[12]
On 29 August 2021 Bangladesh Football Federation disciplinary committee had confirmed the clubs involvement with spot fixing, match manipulations and live and online betting. The clubs management committee along with local and foreign players, were all reported to be involved. BFF disciplinary committee decided to fine 5 lakhs BDT & ban the club for two years from entering the Bangladesh Championship League. The club would have to enter domestic football again through the third-tier, the Dhaka Senior Division Football League.[14][15][16]
Current squad
As of 27 July 2024
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.