Bangladesh Football Federation and K Sports have announced to host first ever women's franchise football league in Asia titled Women's Super League in May this year.
The official announcement came during the logo unveiling ceremony of the competition which was held at a hotel in Dhaka Monday.
The number of participating teams is not finalized yet but it is proposed to be five or six.
Dhaka and Sylhet are the two proposed venues.
The players are projected to be divided into three tiers.
Tier A comprises players with international experience, Tier B will include players from South Asia while Tier C are local players.
“Indian players may not participate because they have domestic league fixtures but Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Pakistan showed interest,” said Fahad Karim, CEO of K Sports, the rights holder of WSL.
Fahad also said the goal is to create an international platform where Bangladesh players can play with foreign footballers to develop and flourish women's football.
“We wanted to hold a sustainable league. It's a beautiful story how a group of girls transformed their lives through football. Franchise league in women's football is new concept. It will be the first time in Asia,” he added.
BFF women's wing committee chairman Mahfuza Akhter Kiron expects better future for the female footballers.
She said, “We have been working on franchise league with K Sports. I feel proud that it is first of its kind in Asia. I hope girls can make profession in football. They can see future here.”
BFF president Kazi Salahuddin said he was surprised when K Sports shared the idea with him.
He said, “I'm very flattered. It's a new kind of league. It is also new to me. When K Sports told me they want to do it I was surprised because it is very difficult.
“I supported for two reasons. First, the income of the female players will increase. They don't earn enough money. Second, it will give them more playing opportunity.”
Bangladesh women's team captain Sabina Khatun said all the female footballers are excited with the announcement of first women's franchise league.
“It was a dream of the girls. Now it is coming true. We all are excited and can't wait for it to kick off,” said the prolific scorer of the national team.
“It's a sign that good days of football are coming. South Asian players will also be excited because it will be a big event in Asia. It will help female footballers progress further and give them an opportunity to take football as profession,” she added.
Men's national team skipper Jamal Bhuiyan also joined the program from Saudi Arabia through a video message where he said, “It's great news for girls and all the footballers. I hope it plays key role in developing women's football. I wish them all the best.”