‘Argentina Bus’ on the Roads of Bangladesh

Football madness has gripped Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming World Cup. While fans traditionally express their excitement by hoisting flags and banners on their roofs, a transport businessman in Sherpur has taken this passion to a new level.

Golam Kibria Maksim, owner of 'Maksim Travels' in Nalitabari Upazila, has painted an entire passenger bus in the iconic blue and white stripes of the Argentina football team jersey.

The eye-catching bus features a massive portrait of global football star Lionel Messi. However, keeping national identity at the center, Maksim also had the Bangladesh flag painted in the middle of the vehicle alongside the words: ‘Bangladesh First’.

Since hitting the road, the unique bus has sparked widespread curiosity in Nalitabari and neighboring areas. Pedestrians, passengers, and sports enthusiasts frequently stop to take photos, with many sharing videos of the vehicle on social media.

According to local sources, the Maksim Travels bus leaves Nalitabari for Mohakhali in Dhaka daily at 12:00 PM and starts its return journey from Mohakhali at 8:00 PM. Local fans note this is the first time an entire passenger bus in the area has been dedicated to a football team's colors.

"I have supported Argentina since childhood," said Biplob De Ketu, 54, a local resident. "I have seen many forms of fan craziness, but never an entire bus painted like this. Seeing Messi's picture on a local bus genuinely filled my heart."

Local journalist Abdul Mannan Sohel added that amid the nationwide World Cup buzz, the bus has become a major local attraction and a unique symbol of Bangladesh's deep-rooted football culture.

Speaking to the media, bus owner Golam Kibria Maksim explained his motivation.

"I wanted to share the festive spirit of the World Cup with the public," Maksim said. "Football unites people. While our team preferences differ, the joy of sports belongs to everyone. That is why, even though the bus honors Argentina, we placed the Bangladesh flag prominently to show that our country always comes first."