Ainul Haque

SM Ainul Haque (; 1947 – 28 August 2017) was a Bangladeshi footballer who played as a defender. He represented the Shadhin Bangla football team during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Early life Sheikh Mohamed Ainul Haque was born in 1947 in Muksudpur Upazila, Gopalganj District in East Bengal, Pakistan. At an early age, he moved to Faridpur to live with his uncle after the death of his parents. He completed his SSC examinations from Faridpur High School in 1963 and in the following year joined the East Pakistan Police.

Club career In 1964, Ainul debuted in the Dhaka First Division League with East Pakistan Police. However, due to his job as a Policeman, he was unable to play in local tournaments, which, at the time, generated significant profits for players. In 1967, he joined the Fire Service and represented its football team in the First Division.

In 1968, Ainul joined Mohammedan SC under the recommendation of Amir Jang Ghaznavi. With the Black and Whites, Ainul won the First Division title in 1969, 1975 and 1976. He was also part of the team that won the Aga Khan Gold Cup in 1968. During his time at the club, Ainul marshalled the Mohammedan defence alongside Zakaria Pintoo and Zahirul Haque. Additionally, Ainul represented Dacca Division in the 1968 National Championship held in Jessore District. Following, the Independence of Bangladesh, Ainul participated in the first football match held post-independence on 13 February 1972, representing Bangladesh XI against President XI. The team, composed of Shadhin Bangla football team players, suffered a 2–0 defeat.

International career East Pakistan Ainul represented the East Pakistan football team in the Bordoloi Trophy held in Guwahati, India in 1968. Ainul also served as captain during several matches, notably against Burdwan XI at the Burdwan University ground, which finished in a 2–1 victory for Ainul's team.

Dhaka XI On 13 May 1972, two days after their match against Mohammedan, Mohun Bagan AC played against "Dhaka XI," the unofficial Bangladesh national team. Ainul played in defense alongside Zakaria Pintoo, Abdul Hakim and Nazir Ahmed Chowdhury as the Dhaka side defeated the Indians 1–0 at Dhaka Stadium.

Personal life Following retirement, Ainul worked as a security supervisor for a private organization.

On August 28, 2017, Ainul died of lung cancer at his residence in Jhigatola, Dhaka, following a long illness.

Honours Mohammedan SC Dhaka First Division League: 1969, 1975, 1976 Aga Khan Gold Cup: 1968