Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler expressed pride in the growth of women’s football in the country as he reflected on the team’s journey ahead of their final Group B match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 against Uzbekistan on Monday.
Speaking on International Women's Day on Sunday, Butler said he feels honoured to coach the Bangladesh women’s team and praised the players for their resilience and determination despite the many challenges they face.
“You shouldn’t ask me that, you’ll make me cry,” Butler said when asked about the progress of women’s football in Bangladesh. “I’m really proud of coaching this group and the journey we’ve embarked on together.”
The English coach, who has previously worked in African football, said he strongly believes in supporting women’s rights and giving female players the platform they deserve.
“I’ve always been a big believer in supporting women’s rights and standing up for women,” he said. “Sometimes people don’t like it when I do, but I’ve always put my neck on the line for what I believe is right.”
Butler acknowledged that his tenure has not been without difficulties but stressed that every step has been taken with the players’ welfare and the long-term development of the game in mind.
“We’ve hit a few speed bumps along the road, but everything has been for the good of the game and the young girls in the group,” he said. “I don’t hold any malice about the difficult moments because I understand the circumstances they come from.”
The Bangladesh coach said the team’s journey is about more than results, highlighting efforts made to improve player welfare and professional standards.
“We want to win because we are competitive, but that’s not the only reason we’re here,” Butler said. “We’ve tried to support the girls better – in terms of player welfare, training conditions, living conditions, food and nutrition. Those things matter just as much.”
He also pointed to the tough backgrounds many of the players come from, saying their commitment and work ethic deserve recognition.
“I know they’re from really difficult environments and I sympathise with that,” Butler said. “My own children have been fortunate compared to what some of these girls have had to endure.”
Despite Bangladesh’s challenging campaign in the tournament, Butler said the team’s professionalism and attitude have been the most encouraging aspects.
“I’m proud of them irrespective of what happens tomorrow,” he said. “The most important thing is the way they’ve participated, the way they’ve handled themselves and embraced professionalism.”
Butler hopes the lessons from the tournament will help the players continue to grow and contribute to the development of women’s football in Bangladesh.
“If they take that professionalism and mindset back home and put it to good use, it will only help them moving forward,” he added.