More than a year after being promised a Tk 1.5 crore reward for winning the SAFF Women’s Championship, Bangladesh’s national women’s football team are yet to receive the bonus from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
The commitment was made at the BFF’s first Executive Committee meeting under the leadership of president Tabith Awal on 9 November last year, shortly after the federation took office following elections on 26 October. At the time, Sabina Khatun’s team had just delivered the SAFF title, creating history for women’s football in the country.
However, the compensation remains unpaid. The matter resurfaced on Wednesday during a press briefing at the BFF House to announce a new partner for “Mission Australia” in women’s football. When asked by journalists, Tabith acknowledged the delay, stating:
“Yes, we made that promise and have not been able to fulfil it yet. We will complete it within this financial year.”
Although Bangladesh’s national fiscal year runs from 1 July to 30 June, the BFF follows a financial calendar from 1 January to 31 December. Based on that timeline, the federation president aims to ensure the team receive the promised sum before 31 December.
In contrast, after their SAFF triumph, Sabina and her teammates received financial recognition and reception from several parties, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the Sports Adviser, the Olympic Association and the Bangladesh Army. The BFF, however, has left the matter unresolved for over a year.
The press event was held to introduce title sponsors for the upcoming Tri-Nation Women’s Football Series and discuss Bangladesh’s preparations and prospects ahead of next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Notably, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, head of the women’s football wing, was absent from the ceremony.
When asked about her absence, Tabith attributed it to internal communication shortcomings.
“It happened due to a lack of internal communication,” he said.
As protocol dictates that formal invitations and notifications fall under the responsibility of the general secretary, questions were raised over possible negligence. In response, the BFF president accepted responsibility, adding:
“Whether it concerns the general secretary, executive committee members or anyone in the football family, as president, I am accountable. I have no hesitation in expressing regret.
Speaking further, he stressed the importance of physical and mental readiness for the players and the need to resume the women’s league to maintain competitiveness.
