It is nothing short of shameful to learn of the recent attack on four female footballers in Khulna. To say that this is unacceptable would be a gross understatement, and speaks of the malaise that still exists in our society despite the progress we may be making economically as a nation.
What is particularly disheartening is to learn that one of the footballers in question, under-17 footballer Sadia Nasrin, has faced continuous harassment for a while now -- just for being a footballer.
Such retrograde thinking has no place in any society, much less one that is intending to become a developed nation in the next two decades. Suffice to say, when it comes to attitude and openness, many in our society have some ways to go.
While we appreciate the support these footballers have received in the wake of the attack, such an incident cannot be swept under the rug; it is a serious situation that demands action.
For starters, identifying each and every person that was responsible for the attack must be prioritized -- followed by ensuring that they do not just go scot-free and actually face consequences for their actions to the fullest extent of the law.
Moreover, what is required long-term is a change in mentality, and to this end, more is required from the authorities concerned to not only normalize and encourage the idea of women in sports, but to send a clear message that any potential harassment and barriers to the well-being of women athletes shall not be tolerated.
A country cannot be defined purely by economic gains. It should be a priority for Bangladesh to have more women involved in sports, in the arts, in creative endeavours. We must ensure a safer Bangladesh for women to not be held back by fear and retrograde societal expectations.