Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has asked every player of the SAFF-winning Bangladesh women's football team to write down and share their individual aspirations, struggles, and demands.
"Do not hesitate to write whatever you wish. We will try to fulfil your demands. If anything can be addressed now, we will do it now," Prof Yunus said.
Dr Yunus welcomed the triumphant women's football team at State Guest House Jamuna Saturday morning.
He congratulated them on behalf of the countrymen.
Members of the SAFF-winning Bangladesh women's football team shared their dreams and the daily struggles they face with Dr Yunus.
The chief adviser carefully listened to the demands of the victorious players and promised to address them on a priority basis as he accorded a reception to the heroes following their 2-1 win over Nepal in the final of the seventh SAFF Women’s Championship in Kathmandu Wednesday.
Muhammad Yunus said: “People of the country want success, and you have brought us that success.”
He encouraged the players to continue this winning streak.
Bangladesh women's football team captain Sabina Khatun expressed gratitude to the chief adviser and said they have overcome many obstacles in order to reach their current position.
Professor Yunus asked each player to write down their dreams, struggles and demands, and share them with his office.
He promised that efforts would be made to fulfill their needs on a priority basis.
The chief adviser said: “Whatever you want, write it down without hesitation. We will do our best to meet your needs and fulfill them as soon as possible.”
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud, who was present during the occasion told reporters the details of the discussion regarding women footballers with the chief adviser.
He said: “From now on, the players of women's football teams will become more important, not the members of the committee.
“Until now, priority has been given to the members of the committee. I'll make sure that won't happen anymore,” he added.
The players of the team expressed their gratitude to the chief adviser, saying it is not only the women's football team, but women across Bangladesh who often secure their positions through tremendous struggles.
Captain Sabina also highlighted the struggles of some of her colleagues such as Maria Manda.
Maria hails from the famous Kalsindur village in Mymensingh, which provided six players to the SAFF-winning team.
Maria, having no father, was raised solely by her mother as a child.
Bangladesh striker Krishna Rani Sarkar requested the chief adviser to organize an international friendly match for them, specifically expressing her desire to play against European champions Barcelona.
Midfielder Monika Chakma shared her struggles as a player from a remote area in Laxmichhari upazila of Khagrachhari.
Midfielder Swapna Rani also referred to the inadequate playing infrastructure at Ranisankail upazila in her home district, Thakurgaon.
Bangladesh women's football team returned home Thursday after winning the SAFF Women's Championship 2024 in Nepal.
After leaving the airport in an open-top bus at 4pm, the victorious female footballers arrived at the Bangladesh Football Federation building.
