Thrust on stronger professional pathway for women footballers

As Bangladesh's women footballers continue to capture hearts at home and abroad, experts and players alike are calling for a stronger professional pathway to ensure their success turns into a lasting legacy, reports UNB.
Despite limited resources, their growing success proves that women's football is no longer an afterthought-it's a national movement taking center stage.
From humble beginnings in the early 2000s, women's football in Bangladesh has grown into a dynamic force. Tournaments, leagues, and school-level programs have opened doors for thousands of young girls, many from remote and rural areas, to dream beyond social norms and shine on the international stage.
The movement gained traction with the Inter-district Women's Football Tournament (2006-2007)-the first of its kind in Bangladesh. Eight district teams made history, setting a foundation for what would become a broader sporting revolution. Momentum continued with the National Women's Championship (2009-2016), which welcomed teams from districts and government institutions. The championship's inaugural sponsor, Citycell, signaled a crucial shift-corporate Bangladesh had begun to notice. Crucial grassroots initiatives soon followed. The Dhaka Metropolis Women's School Football Championship (2008-2010) introduced structured competition among schoolgirls. Another game-changing moment came with the launch of the Bangamata Primary School Gold Cup in 2011. Initiated by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the tournament saw over one million female students from more than 60,000 schools participate in its first edition. "When I first saw my daughter play in the Bangamata Gold Cup, I realised football could change her life. She's more confident now," said Arifur Rahman, a proud parent.
At the club level, the Bangladesh Women's Football League (2011-present) remains the country's only domestic competition for women. Though interrupted by funding gaps and management challenges, the league still acts as the primary pathway for women to move from grassroots to the national team.
Despite progress, significant hurdles remain-poor infrastructure, limited investment, and persistent social stigma. Yet, the will to overcome is undeniable.
"We didn't have a girls' team in our school before 2010. Now, we practice regularly and even won a local tournament. Football gave us a new identity," said Shahana Begum, a parent from Rajshahi.
"People used to laugh at the idea of girls playing football. But now they cheer for us in the stands. Times are changing," added Ruma Akter, a school player from Dhaka.
"There is no shortage of talent in rural Bangladesh. What we need is consistent support, training, and visibility," emphasised Munira Sultana, a grassroots coach in Khulna.
"These girls are not just playing football-they're breaking stereotypes," said Tahmid Hossain, a local sports journalist.
Recent years have seen a golden era for Bangladesh's women footballers showing their strength on the international platforms.
Ritu Porna Chakma, a standout from the Hill Tracts, became a national sensation after scoring the winning goal in the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship final and earning MVP honors.