Published: 12:15 AM, 14 July 2025
Bangladesh Women’s Football: A New Chapter in Grit, Growth and Glory
Shahidul Alam Swapan
In a watershed moment for Bangladeshi football, the national women’s team has qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, marking the country’s maiden entry into Asia’s top-tier women’s football competition. As they prepare to represent Bangladesh on the continental stage, the journey of the team—marked by triumphs, transitions, and tension—offers a compelling story of ambition, resilience, and reinvention.
From Underdogs to Contenders
On July 2, 2025, Bangladesh stunned Myanmar 2–1 in Yangon, a result that secured their place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, to be held in Australia next year. With two wins from two matches in the qualification round, the team topped Group C—a feat previously unimaginable just a decade ago.
This qualification follows Bangladesh’s landmark victories in the SAFF Women’s Championship in both 2022 and 2024, positioning the Bengal Tigresses as a rising force in South Asian football. Their playing style—compact, disciplined, and increasingly fearless—has drawn praise across the region.
However, the team’s path to success has been neither smooth nor free from internal conflict.
A Fractured Camp?
Much of the recent discourse surrounding the women’s team has been dominated by reports of discord between head coach Peter Butler and several senior players. Among those left out of the Asian Cup qualifying squad were established figures such as Sabina Khatun, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Sanjida Akter, and Masura Parvin—names long synonymous with the team’s rise.
While the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has remained tight-lipped on the matter, insiders suggest a growing rift over tactics, leadership, and the direction of the team.
From Underdogs to Contenders
On July 2, 2025, Bangladesh stunned Myanmar 2–1 in Yangon, a result that secured their place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, to be held in Australia next year. With two wins from two matches in the qualification round, the team topped Group C—a feat previously unimaginable just a decade ago.
This qualification follows Bangladesh’s landmark victories in the SAFF Women’s Championship in both 2022 and 2024, positioning the Bengal Tigresses as a rising force in South Asian football. Their playing style—compact, disciplined, and increasingly fearless—has drawn praise across the region.
However, the team’s path to success has been neither smooth nor free from internal conflict.
A Fractured Camp?
Much of the recent discourse surrounding the women’s team has been dominated by reports of discord between head coach Peter Butler and several senior players. Among those left out of the Asian Cup qualifying squad were established figures such as Sabina Khatun, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Sanjida Akter, and Masura Parvin—names long synonymous with the team’s rise.
While the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has remained tight-lipped on the matter, insiders suggest a growing rift over tactics, leadership, and the direction of the team.
Butler, appointed in 2024, has adopted a no-nonsense approach. A former English professional with coaching stints in Africa and Asia, he has prioritized fitness, team discipline, and a focus on youth. His methods have delivered results—but also sparked debate.
New Leadership on the Pitch
In perhaps the boldest move yet, 18-year-old Afeida Khandaker was appointed team captain. The young defender—calm under pressure and mature beyond her years—has become a symbol of the team’s new direction.
She is part of a new core alongside Shamsunnahar Jr., Rupna Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, and a name gaining more and more prominence: Ritu Porna Chakma.
Ritu Porna Chakma: A Rising Midfield Maestro
Among the bright sparks of this rejuvenated squad is Ritu Porna Chakma, a young midfielder whose composure and creativity in central areas have made her indispensable to the current side.
Hailing from the Chakma community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Ritu Porna represents both the team’s diversity and its reach beyond urban strongholds. Having developed through the age-group pipeline—featuring in U-16 and U-19 teams—she made her senior breakthrough in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since.
Ritu Porna is known for her calm passing under pressure, positional intelligence, and her ability to link defence with attack—often acting as the “pivot” in Butler’s system. During the recent qualifiers, her partnership with Shaheda Akter Ripa in midfield was central to Bangladesh’s dominance in possession.
Off the field, Ritu has become a quiet inspiration for aspiring indigenous athletes, especially young girls from underrepresented communities. Her rise underscores the increasing inclusivity of women’s football in Bangladesh.
Observers believe she may well be one of the breakout stars of AFC 2026.
Sabina Khatun: A Legend in Limbo
No conversation about Bangladesh women’s football is complete without Sabina Khatun. With over 100 international appearances and 38 goals, she remains the country’s most iconic footballer. Her leadership was instrumental in the SAFF Championship win in 2022 and she inspired countless girls to pick up the game.
Her exclusion from the recent squad has raised eyebrows. While Butler continues to stress his faith in youth, there remains speculation over a potential reconciliation—something many fans and former players hope to see before the Asian Cup.
New Leadership on the Pitch
In perhaps the boldest move yet, 18-year-old Afeida Khandaker was appointed team captain. The young defender—calm under pressure and mature beyond her years—has become a symbol of the team’s new direction.
She is part of a new core alongside Shamsunnahar Jr., Rupna Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, and a name gaining more and more prominence: Ritu Porna Chakma.
Ritu Porna Chakma: A Rising Midfield Maestro
Among the bright sparks of this rejuvenated squad is Ritu Porna Chakma, a young midfielder whose composure and creativity in central areas have made her indispensable to the current side.
Hailing from the Chakma community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Ritu Porna represents both the team’s diversity and its reach beyond urban strongholds. Having developed through the age-group pipeline—featuring in U-16 and U-19 teams—she made her senior breakthrough in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since.
Ritu Porna is known for her calm passing under pressure, positional intelligence, and her ability to link defence with attack—often acting as the “pivot” in Butler’s system. During the recent qualifiers, her partnership with Shaheda Akter Ripa in midfield was central to Bangladesh’s dominance in possession.
Off the field, Ritu has become a quiet inspiration for aspiring indigenous athletes, especially young girls from underrepresented communities. Her rise underscores the increasing inclusivity of women’s football in Bangladesh.
Observers believe she may well be one of the breakout stars of AFC 2026.
Sabina Khatun: A Legend in Limbo
No conversation about Bangladesh women’s football is complete without Sabina Khatun. With over 100 international appearances and 38 goals, she remains the country’s most iconic footballer. Her leadership was instrumental in the SAFF Championship win in 2022 and she inspired countless girls to pick up the game.
Her exclusion from the recent squad has raised eyebrows. While Butler continues to stress his faith in youth, there remains speculation over a potential reconciliation—something many fans and former players hope to see before the Asian Cup.
Eyes on Australia
As Bangladesh prepares for its AFC debut in 2026, the challenge ahead is formidable. With Asian giants like Japan, South Korea, and China likely to feature, the step up will test this young side’s mettle.
Yet, there is quiet optimism. The team has shown tactical maturity in recent matches, including a draw against Jordan and their victory over Myanmar. With strong performers like Ritu Porna, Rupna Chakma, and Afeida Khandaker, the foundation for future success appears solid. The BFF has also invested in infrastructure, coaching development, and grassroots programmes to ensure that this generation is not a one-off.
Balancing Legacy and Progress
The real test may lie not in Australia, but within: balancing the contributions of veteran players with the energy of newcomers. If handled carefully, Bangladesh could not only succeed on the field—but also serve as a case study in managing generational transition in sport.
What’s clear is this: the team’s identity is evolving. No longer simply a collection of players, they are becoming a symbol of national ambition, gender equity, and sporting unity. And in that story, young players like Ritu Porna Chakma play a defining role.
The Road Ahead
From marginalization to mainstream, the trajectory of Bangladesh women’s football has been inspiring. The team’s qualification for the Asian Cup is not just a sporting milestone—it is a statement of what is possible when talent is nurtured and given space to grow.
With preparation, patience, and unity, the Bengal Tigresses can roar not just in South Asia, but across the continent.
As Bangladesh prepares for its AFC debut in 2026, the challenge ahead is formidable. With Asian giants like Japan, South Korea, and China likely to feature, the step up will test this young side’s mettle.
Yet, there is quiet optimism. The team has shown tactical maturity in recent matches, including a draw against Jordan and their victory over Myanmar. With strong performers like Ritu Porna, Rupna Chakma, and Afeida Khandaker, the foundation for future success appears solid. The BFF has also invested in infrastructure, coaching development, and grassroots programmes to ensure that this generation is not a one-off.
Balancing Legacy and Progress
The real test may lie not in Australia, but within: balancing the contributions of veteran players with the energy of newcomers. If handled carefully, Bangladesh could not only succeed on the field—but also serve as a case study in managing generational transition in sport.
What’s clear is this: the team’s identity is evolving. No longer simply a collection of players, they are becoming a symbol of national ambition, gender equity, and sporting unity. And in that story, young players like Ritu Porna Chakma play a defining role.
The Road Ahead
From marginalization to mainstream, the trajectory of Bangladesh women’s football has been inspiring. The team’s qualification for the Asian Cup is not just a sporting milestone—it is a statement of what is possible when talent is nurtured and given space to grow.
With preparation, patience, and unity, the Bengal Tigresses can roar not just in South Asia, but across the continent.
And when they do, names like Ritu Porna, Afeida, Rupna, and Shamsunnahar Jr. may well echo far beyond the stadiums they play in.
Shahidul Alam Swapan is a
private banking financial
crime compliance expert
and columnist based in
Geneva, Switzerland.
Shahidul Alam Swapan is a
private banking financial
crime compliance expert
and columnist based in
Geneva, Switzerland.
