Global LFC Family: Bangladesh

Iresh Zaker, an actor from Dhaka, grew up idolising Ian Rush in the 1980s, watched the Champions League final under his duvet and dreams of one day meeting his hero, Steven Gerrard.

This is his LFC story...

Name: Iresh Zaker
Age: 36
City/country: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Job: TV actor

Why did you pick Liverpool as your team?

When I started watching football in the '80s, the only international matches we could get in Bangladesh were FA Cup matches in a weekly show called 'Road to Wembley'. Liverpool were by far the strongest and one of the most attacking teams at that time and my uncles supported them. So I started supporting them as well.

What's your earliest LFC memory?

Ian Rush scoring goals for LFC. Lots of goals.

How did people in Bangladesh follow Liverpool's fortunes at first?

In terms of watching games, 'Road to Wembley' was the only option. Other than that, we would get sporadic newspaper reports and, of course, gorge on whatever smuggled foreign sports publications we could get our hands on. Watching league matches was impossible back then.

Who was your first LFC hero and why?

Ian Rush. I was a kid and nothing captures the imagination like a true talismanic striker. Peter Beardsley's hunched runs were pretty memorable as well.

What is your favourite LFC memory?

The 2005 Champions League final. I know it's predictable but it's the truth.

Who has been your favourite Liverpool manager and why?

It would have to be Kenny Dalglish. His first player-manager season was historic. I was a Kopite and the team was mighty.

What has been your lowest point supporting Liverpool?

The period between 2009 and 2011 was not enjoyable. Watching us drop to mid-table was heart-breaking.

Have you ever been to Anfield?

No. It's my dream to visit one day, though.

Where were you while we were in Istanbul?

Cowering under my blanket with the TV on in my bedroom. I was in Dhaka during the miracle.

Do Liverpool have a passionate fan base in Bangladesh?

We may not have the biggest fan base but we are as passionate as anyone. There is a lot of love for Liverpool in Bangladesh.

Which team are considered Liverpool's biggest rivals in your country?

Manchester United.

Where do you go online to follow news about LFC?

Three places: www.liverpoolfc.com, @LFC and @LFCBangladesh.

Do you also support a local team?

Not really. I have lost touch with the local scene. Given my working schedule, I can only watch really late games and that is time better spent watching Liverpool in the English Premier League.

Who is your favourite current player and why?

Steven Gerrard, because of his dedication and ability to inspire others. He has done it for so long and always in a Liverpool shirt.

If you could meet anyone connected to Liverpool FC - past or present - who would it be and why?

Steven Gerrard - for all the reasons above and because he is my biggest footballing hero.

What makes you most proud to be a Liverpool supporter?

The fact that I will never walk alone.

Liverpool FC are the only football club in the world to have an official social media account for fans in Bangladesh. To follow @LFCBangladesh on Twitter, click here.

Previous articles in the Global LFC Family series:

South Africa - Melissa Reddy>>
Thailand - Jeerawan Duangnam Herriot>>
Australia - Wayne Psaila>>
Mexico - Victor Alvarado>>
Indonesia - Andhika Sarwendha Suksmana>>
Nepal - Nischal Adhikari>>
Ghana - Aristo Dotse>>
India - Kaushal Goyal>>
Singapore - Henry Hann>>
Bahrain - Mohamed Ashoor>>
Mongolia - Amarsaikhan Orsoo>>
Vietnam - Pham Quynh Le>>
USA - July 4th Special>>
Iran - Mohammad Reza Rahimi>>
South Korea - Yong-Suk Choi>>
Norway - Arild Skjæveland>>
Russia - Ivan Potapov>>
Myanmar - Khin Maung Cho>>
USA - Roy Yates>>
China - Chen Jing>>
Brazil - Bárbara Rubio>>
Kenya - Mitesh Chavda>>
Spain - Luis Gutierrez>>
Venezuela - Jorge De Castro>>
Greece - Efstratios Sakkias>>
Malaysia - Muzili Aznor Musa>> 
Taiwan - Roxan>>
Finland - Jani Lilja>>
Turkey - Ulfan Ismihanov>>
Mauritius - Jean-Carl Palmyre>>
Pakistan - Bissmah Mehmud>> 
Poland - Radoslaw Chmiel>>
Jamaica - Andrew Hewitt>>