BANGLADESH’S women’s football team is nothing short of a national treasure. From humble beginnings to extraordinary wins, these young women have proven their worth by making history on the field. Their 4-0 victory against the UAE, a milestone in Bangladeshi sports, cemented their status as champions. But behind this celebrated success, these young athletes face an appalling reality: inadequate living conditions, poor nutrition, and an alarming lack of essential resources. Their struggles raise serious questions about how Bangladesh treats its sports champions, especially the women who bear the national flag on the global stage.
The victory against the UAE in the AFC Under-16 Championship qualifiers was not a one-off. This success represented a rare spark in Bangladeshi women’s sports, a moment that finally brought attention to the incredible potential of our female athletes. Spurred by this achievement, the Bangladesh Football Federation promised a long-term training camp to cultivate this newfound talent. However, that promise seems hollow today as the champions of Bangladesh endure unimaginable hardships in their supposed ‘residence’ — a building that falls woefully short of acceptable standards, let alone those suitable for national athletes.
Currently, these players reside in the fourth-floor dormitory of the BFF building, a bureaucratic structure hardly fit for a training camp. There is no elevator, meaning players must climb multiple flights of stairs every day, often several times a day, after gruelling training sessions. These players are elite athletes, but the climb alone poses an additional toll on their energy and stamina. The BFF has overlooked the very basics that could aid these women in maintaining peak physical condition.
The setup within the BFF building lacks not just comfort but also privacy. The young athletes must contend with the daily influx of BFF officials and visitors using the same stairs, putting the players in uncomfortable situations. Many of these women come from conservative backgrounds where the idea of sharing facilities with strangers would be unthinkable. These issues not only undermine their comfort but also compromise their focus and peace of mind, aspects critical for high-performing athletes.
The crowded dormitory space is another blatant reminder of the authorities’ disregard. Each room is shared by up to eight players, forced to live in a cramped, suffocating environment. This congestion doesn’t end in their bedrooms — there’s only one bathroom for each room, shared by all occupants, making basic hygiene a constant struggle. In an environment like this, health risks multiply. The lack of sanitation is an immediate concern, and the players, already engaged in intense physical activity, are at a higher risk of infections and other health issues.
Beyond the lack of space, cleanliness itself is an issue. The BFF does not employ any cleaning staff for the players’ quarters. These national athletes, instead of focusing on their game and recovery, are expected to maintain the upkeep of their dormitory themselves. This includes cleaning their rooms and even washing their own clothes, as there is no laundry service available. Every other aspect of their day is strictly regimented, with hours spent on practice, training, and conditioning, yet they are forced to manage their living environment like students in a cheap hostel rather than esteemed representatives of Bangladesh.
The lack of proper nutrition is another silent adversary eroding the players’ potential. An athlete’s diet is one of the most critical aspects of their performance. However, in the BFF dormitory, meals are outsourced to a low-budget local restaurant, and nutritional content is rarely a priority. During the tenure of the British technical director Paul Smalley, some improvements were made to the food quality, but those adjustments have since dwindled, leaving players with little more than basic fish and rice. Even staple protein sources like hilsa and prawns are now rarities. The athletes are given minimal options and often have no choice but to supplement their meals with whatever they can afford on their own. Nutritionists and dietary plans, integral parts of any professional athlete’s career, are nonexistent in this setup.
Due to the monotonous and uninspiring diet, the players are often left fatigued, with diminished strength and endurance. Nutritional imbalance not only affects their physical capabilities but also impacts their mental health and energy levels. They are not provided with essential supplements or energy drinks, elements common in the routines of athletes worldwide. Sometimes, out of sheer frustration, the players pitch in to buy groceries and prepare their own meals to get a break from the repetitive, unhealthy food provided. This is an absurd requirement for national players, who should have every resource tailored to their athletic growth, not situations forcing them to fend for themselves.
Injuries, unfortunately, are another area where the BFF’s negligence is evident. Football, as a high-impact sport, naturally comes with a risk of injury. However, the BFF has failed to provide any form of health insurance or comprehensive medical support for the players. Injured players are often left to navigate treatment costs on their own, with the BFF providing minimal to no assistance. This lack of healthcare support has led to cases where promising athletes have had their careers cut short due to a lack of timely or adequate medical intervention. Imagine an elite football team with no guaranteed medical safety net, yet they are expected to perform at international standards.
The camp employs just one physiotherapist for about fifty players, an unfeasible ratio that puts player health at risk. Furthermore, the condition of the training grounds, including the two fields at Kamalapur Stadium and the adjacent astroturf, is far from ideal. The worn-out turf increases the risk of injury, particularly joint and ligament injuries, which can severely impair a footballer’s career. Instead of advancing their skills, the players must contend with the possibility of career-ending injuries due to subpar training environments.
Then comes the matter of financial compensation. For players who have left their families and homes behind to represent their country, the modest stipend they are supposed to receive is far from enough. Yet, even this modest financial support is often delayed. Currently, the players have gone two months without pay, struggling to manage even their basic expenses. These delays reflect poorly on the BFF’s commitment to supporting its athletes, amplifying the disillusionment these women feel towards the system they serve.
The underlying tragedy is that most of these players come from rural regions where poverty is a constant struggle. They joined football not only out of love for the game but also to elevate their lives and support their families. For many, the journey from village fields to representing Bangladesh is a testament to their resilience and determination. However, without access to nutritious food, quality healthcare, decent living conditions, and steady income, they face physical and mental exhaustion. Their aspirations of building a sustainable career in sports slowly give way to frustration and despair.
It is painfully evident that the BFF’s apathy towards the women’s football team reflects a broader societal disregard for women in sports. Despite their international accomplishments, these athletes are not treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. The Bangladesh women’s football team has brought the nation glory, yet they are expected to navigate a life of hardship and struggle simply because they are women in a field that society deems secondary.
The narrative surrounding sports development in Bangladesh has long focused on the men’s game, often sidelining women’s achievements. Yet, the women’s team has consistently showcased resilience and excellence on the field, driven not by incentives or support but by sheer passion. It is time to recognise the value they bring to Bangladesh, not only as athletes but as symbols of hope and empowerment for women across the country.
If we are serious about fostering a strong future for Bangladeshi sports, then the needs of the women’s football team cannot be ignored. They require clean and safe living quarters, specialised nutrition, regular healthcare, reliable medical insurance, quality training facilities, and timely financial compensation. This investment is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right for athletes who have repeatedly brought honour to the nation.
The Bangladesh women’s football team deserves more than applause. They deserve tangible change—a system that respects, nurtures, and invests in them. These young women have proven time and again that they are capable of representing Bangladesh on an international scale. Now, it is time for Bangladesh to prove that it values them equally, providing them with the respect, dignity, and resources they have long earned but been denied. Only by addressing these fundamental issues can we hope to unleash the true potential of these champions and secure a promising future for women’s football in Bangladesh.
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Dr Rakib Al Hasan is a young physician, author, activist, and international award-winning youth leader of Bangladesh. He is the founder and executive director of the Centre for Partnership Initiative.
