The Bangladesh women’s football team continues to make impressive progress in the international scene. Their performance in the AFC selection proved they’re ready to represent the country with pride.
However, despite their hard work and commitment, they still don’t receive proper recognition.
The management's failure to acknowledge their success shows a disappointing lack of support. Compared to the men’s team, their treatment feels unfair and undeserved.
In contrast to the loud promotions and celebrations around the men’s football team, the women’s side is often ignored. Even when the men lose or underperform, they’re greeted with fanfare and media spotlight.
Meanwhile, the women win or place in important tournaments and get nothing close to that response.
A recent example shows exactly what’s wrong -- after placing in the AFC selection, the women’s team arrived at Dhaka airport at 2:30 AM, only to be sat under a weak makeshift pandal for a press conference that barely mattered.
No respect, no setup, no real reception
Management’s response to their success felt lazy and dismissive. No proper welcome, no official celebration, and almost no media coverage. Prize money and incentives were barely discussed. How is it fair to offer athletes so little in return for making the country proud?
They trained hard, they achieved big, and they still weren’t given the spotlight they deserved. The lack of support sends a troubling message. It says women athletes matter less, even when they bring results. This kind of treatment not only disappoints current players but also discourages future talents.
Young girls across Bangladesh need to see female athletes celebrated and supported. Recognition creates motivation, and these players deserve every bit of it.
Despite all of this, the women’s team continues to deliver strong results. Their teamwork, skills, and fighting spirit can match any top-level team. With better resources and attention, they could go even further and bring home bigger wins.
Many other countries now treat women’s sports equally, offering the same level of coverage and rewards. Bangladesh must not fall behind. Athletes deserve dignity -- before, during, and after the game. A cracked plastic table under a random canopy is not how champions should be greeted.
It’s time for serious change. The federation needs to step up, give respect where it’s due, and back these players with full pride. Let’s treat their wins like wins for all of us.
Shams Ahmed Farabe is a freelance contributor.
