Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque has clarified his earlier remarks regarding Zaima Rahman and her reported opportunity to play for Chelsea FC Women. His initial comments sparked widespread debate and criticism, trending across social media, where he now claims his words were misrepresented.
According to Aminul, Zaima played football at school level while living in London, which led to an opportunity to join Chelsea’s youth setup as a goalkeeper.
Aminul, a former national team goalkeeper widely regarded as one of the country’s finest, said he had learned about Zaima’s goalkeeping background directly from Tarique Rahman. He added that although she had the chance to pursue football further, her parents — Tarique Rahman and Zubaida Rahman — encouraged her to prioritise her education. Despite their interest in sport, they chose to focus on her academic development and personal growth.
Explaining the context of his remarks, Aminul said he had spoken to Zaima during a visit to Mirpur to watch a cricket match. During their conversation, she mentioned that she had been a goalkeeper at school, much like him. He noted that her height made her particularly well suited to the position.
He further emphasised that in Europe, balancing education with sport is a common part of a child’s upbringing. While Zaima had a clear interest in football, she ultimately followed her family’s wishes and chose to focus on her studies.
