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The report shows nine girls of the squad, who lifted Bangladesh to the premier Asian stage, travelling in a rather below-standard Mymensingh-bound regular bus service. The nine girls are from Kalsindhur village in Mymensingh's Dhobaura Upazila. According to the report, the girls experienced severe ill-treatment and verbal abuse from co-passengers. Surprisingly, as per the report, no team management personnel was accompanying the under-aged girls.
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On the other hand, Bangladesh Football Federation in a statement on Wednesday claimed that they had indeed offered the players, all from Mymensingh, a more comfortable journey but they preferred returning like they usually do.
Bangladesh girls celebrate following their 4-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in the AFC Under-16 Women's Championship 2017 Qualifiers at Bangabandhu National Stadium on MondayDhaka Tribune/Mainoor Islam Manik
“BFF wants to clear everyone concerned that the girls were offered air conditioned microbus, but they refused since they are not comfortable with that. Then BFF arranged good-quality bus for them, however, they ultimately demanded direct local bus to reach their neighborhood for their ease and BFF arranged so considering the hassle they would have face to change carriers during journey,” the statement added.Read more- All’s well that ends well
Sharing the TV report on Facebook, renowned filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki wrote: "Shame on management. We are seeing a twisted picture of sports management here. How can we even dream to move forward with such sport administration? My question is; where does all the budget allotted for sports go? When we start spending money efficiently on preparations and training, only then we can hope to get high-quality athletes."
Screenplay writer Apel Mahmud also expressed frustration.Mac Nazir questions the sincerity of the Bangladesh Football Federation.Activist Sabuj Paul thinks the players were mistreated because they are women.Few other reactions from netizens are given below:Even Russian Olympic gymnastics gold-medalist Margarita Mamun has been dragged into the debate: