The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), which was determined to stage the final phase of the competition in the capital to avoid financial losses, decided to go ahead with the prestigious tournament after they were assured of holding the six-team second phase in Dhaka.

They will not get the Banga-bandhu National Stadium (BNS) -- the number one choice of the federation and sponsors Nitol-Tata -- but they are happy to get the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur for the show in September.

The finals in the first two editions were held at the BNS but Mirpur hosted the competition last time.

The budget of the tournament is just over Tk one crore. The title sponsor, which has a three-year contract with the BFF, will provide Tk 50 lakh and the government Tk 25 lakh.

Forty-five teams will compete for the qualifying berths in the 12-team finals where the six zonal champions join the automatic qualifiers.

This is the first time that 12 teams will play in the final rounds instead of ten.

Defending champions Muktijoddha Sangsad and fellow Dhaka clubs Mohammedan Sporting Club, Brothers Union, Abahani Krira Chakra and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra and Chittagong Mohammedan Sporting Club have won direct entries to the final rounds, which is due to start on July 10 in Jessore.

The 12 participating teams, split into two groups, will play at four venues including Chittagong and Mymensingh. The BFF has yet to choose the fourth venue with Rangpur and Pabna both in contention.

However, organisers all but ruled out Pabna because of its lack of accommodation facilities.

Meanwhile, five matches will be played on the opening day with home side Najirpara KC face Bhabaniganj Players Welfare Asso-ciation of Laxmipur at Chandpur, Jhenaidah Mohammedan host Raipur Jagarani Club of Meherpur, Bagerhat's Unmochon Club entertain Barguna Abahani Krira Chakra, Mymensingh Abahani meet Narshingdi Kararchar Krira Chakra at Narshingdi and Padma Krira Chakra of Natore play visiting Panchagarh Brothers Union.

The services zone matches, however, will begin on June 27 with Bangladesh Rifles taking on Bangladesh Police at the Kamlapur Stadium in Dhaka.

The qualifiers will be played on knockout basis.