Imagine a gym that doesn’t just pump iron—it pumps ambition, discipline, and a quiet revolution. That’s Metal Cave in Adabor, Bangladesh, where the hum of treadmills and clinking of dumbbells tell only half the story. But here’s where it gets controversial: while most gyms cater to the ‘fitspo’ crowd, Metal Cave has become the epicenter of a movement that’s flipping the script on what it means to be strong in Bangladesh. And it’s all thanks to one man’s vision—Atiqur Rahman.
Walk into Metal Cave after 5 PM on a weekday, and you’ll find the usual suspects: muscle chasers, treadmill runners, and the ‘just-here-to-be-fit’ crowd. But venture upstairs, and you’ll discover a world most people miss. Here, a dedicated group of athletes, known as powerlifters, gather with a singular goal: to lift weights that would make most heads spin. We’re talking deadlifts that dwarf their body weight—sometimes by more than double. For a 90kg lifter, that’s over 225kg. No big deal, right?
Powerlifting, though still a niche sport in Bangladesh, has been quietly gaining traction over the past five years. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a local fad. Bangladeshi athletes are now competing—and medaling—on the international stage. And it all started at Metal Cave, a gym that’s become the breeding ground for the country’s strongest.
The Man Behind the Barbell
Atiqur Rahman, the 48-year-old owner of Metal Cave, isn’t your typical gym owner. His journey into powerlifting began in 2018, when he stumbled upon an advertisement for a local competition. ‘The International Powerlifting Federation had been around since 1972, but Bangladesh was still catching up,’ he recalls. At the time, competitions were organized privately, as the Bangladesh Powerlifting Association (BPA) hadn’t yet been formally established.
Enter Adib Jihan, a young lifter training at Metal Cave. ‘I told him to compete, and I became his coach,’ Atiqur says. Adib won the 66kg category, sparking something in Atiqur. The following year, Atiqur himself stepped onto the platform—and dominated. Despite competing in the regular category instead of the masters (due to a lack of participants in his age group), he later went on to win the masters category three times between 2022 and 2024, setting a record with a 245kg deadlift. But here’s the twist: his success wasn’t just personal. It led to him co-founding the BPA, where he now serves as deputy general secretary.
From Heartbreak to Heavy Weights
Atiqur’s path to powerlifting wasn’t straightforward. Growing up, sports were his passion, but his parents wanted him to focus on academics. He played football, then cricket—until an injury shattered his dreams. ‘That was my turning point,’ he says. A local elder suggested he try the gym, and the rest is history—though not without tragedy. When his father passed away suddenly, Atiqur had to put his ‘luxurious hobby’ on hold to support his family. He worked as a merchandiser for eight years, achieving financial stability but at the cost of his health and happiness.
A medical checkup revealed high cholesterol, and a doctor’s warning changed everything: ‘If you don’t get active, you won’t live long.’ By then, Atiqur was married with two children. He made a bold decision—at 40, he left his job to pursue his passion for fitness. Bold move, right? In Bangladesh, such career shifts are rare, but Atiqur trusted his instincts. He sold a plot of land, opened Metal Cave in 2016, and never looked back.
Why Powerlifting?
Powerlifting isn’t just about lifting heavy weights—it’s about discipline, focus, and a mindset that translates to everyday life. ‘General workouts keep you healthy, but powerlifting is a sport,’ Atiqur explains. ‘It teaches balance, body control, and flexibility.’ But here’s the kicker: it’s also practical. ‘We lift heavy objects, carry children, and move furniture all the time. Powerlifting makes those tasks easier and safer.’
Beyond the physical benefits, powerlifting builds mental toughness. ‘It boosts confidence, strengthens bones, and even increases testosterone,’ Atiqur adds. ‘It’s not just about medals—it’s about respect, both for yourself and from others.’
The Rise of Powerlifting in Bangladesh
The first powerlifting competition in Bangladesh took place in 2018, thanks to Mominul Haque Ron and his organization, M360 Degree. Since then, the sport has grown exponentially. ‘We now have five competitions annually, including women’s, university, and age-based events,’ Atiqur says. Bangladesh has won medals at the World, Asian, and Asian-African-Pacific Championships, with athletes like Aditya Parvez and Tasbihun Noor Tulona leading the charge.
But here’s where it gets controversial: despite these successes, powerlifting struggles for recognition in Bangladesh. ‘It’s not yet a profession here,’ Atiqur notes. ‘Sponsors focus on football and cricket, leaving other sports in the shadows.’ Athletes often self-fund their international competitions, limiting opportunities for many.
A Question for You
Is Bangladesh ready to embrace powerlifting as more than just a hobby? Should corporate sponsors step up to support these athletes? Let’s spark a conversation—what do you think?
Metal Cave’s Legacy
Metal Cave isn’t just a gym—it’s a movement. It was the first commercial gym in Bangladesh to introduce a deadlift platform and calibrated plates, and it’s produced more powerlifters and medals than any other. ‘The history of Bangladeshi powerlifting and Metal Cave are inseparable,’ Atiqur says. ‘That’s my greatest achievement.’
But his vision goes beyond medals. ‘I want our youth to believe in their strength,’ he says. ‘I want them to return as world champions, so no one can ever call Bangladeshis weak.’
So, the next time you walk into a gym, ask yourself: Are you just working out—or are you part of something bigger?
