Family greets Hamza, wife and children with flowers at hometown in Habiganj

Former Premier League star Hamza Choudhury has been greeted with flowers in a festive atmosphere gripping Snanghat in Habiganj over his arrival to his ancestral home.

As the motorcade reached his home in Bahubal Upazila around 3:45pm on Monday, his family members welcomed him in native Bangladeshi style.

English-born defensive midfielder Hamza, along with his wife and three children, landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport around 11:45am, where a festive atmosphere had built up since morning.

Excited fans gathered to welcome Hamza, whose father Dewan Morshed Choudhury was at the airport to receive him.

Following the formalities at the airport, Hamza started for his home with the convoy.

Hundreds of people gathered to welcome Hamza home, including relatives and locals, while police provided stringent security. Although Hamza had visited his native home before, it was the first visit for his wife and children.

After spending half an hour resting at home, he went to a madrasa field beside his home for a reception ceremony.

His arrival sparked celebrations across the district, particularly in his hometown, which has been decorated with banners, festoons and congratulatory arches.

Security forces had their hands full keeping frenzied fans in check.

Hamza, a product of the Leicester City Academy, has visited his country of origin before. But this time, he is here to represent the Bangladesh national football team.

If all goes according to plan, the former Premier League star will make his debut for Bangladesh against India in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Mar 25.

His family has confirmed that he will stay at their village home for a day before heading to Dhaka on Monday.