Bangladesh women’s football team returned home in the early hours of 7 July to a hero’s welcome after qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup finals for the first time.
But amid the celebration and bright lights at the Hatirjheel amphitheatre, there was a notable absence, no financial reward was announced by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
The squad, who had flown in via Thailand after defeating Myanmar, Bahrain and Turkmenistan in the qualifiers, were welcomed with flowers and cheers just after 3am. A large number of supporters had gathered, and the mood was festive despite the late hour.
BFF president Tabith Awal addressed the players and supporters in a lengthy speech. “The world now sees Bangladesh as a football-crazy country,” he said. “We are no longer a country known just for floods. We are a nation of women’s empowerment. From now on, our only slogan is ‘Mission Australia’.”
He thanked the players and coaching staff, adding, “You are changing the mindset of our society. We believe in you, we are behind you, and we will remain behind you.”
Despite the enthusiastic words, the event fell short in one key area-financial recognition. After the SAFF Championship win in 2022, the BFF had promised the women’s team a bonus of 1.5 crore taka. That amount remains unpaid. With no active women’s league in the country and only a handful of players receiving monthly salaries-some as low as 55,000 taka,the players’ financial struggles continue.
Meanwhile, India’s women’s football team, who also qualified for the AFC Asian Cup finals by becoming group champions in the qualifiers held in Myanmar, received substantial recognition. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a cash reward of 50,000 US dollars equivalent to over 6.1 million Bangladeshi taka for their outstanding performance. Upon returning home, the Indian team was warmly received and celebrated.
Coach Peter Butler, who attended the ceremony along with other BFF officials, gave a brief speech. “It’s nearly morning and I’m not used to speaking this late,” the 58-year-old English coach said. “But I want to thank everyone, especially the fans who came here at this hour. What the girls have done is remarkable.”
Captain Afida Khandakar also spoke on stage. “This moment feels incredible. It’s something we will never forget,” she said. “Please keep praying for us so we can achieve even more—not just in South Asia, but at the world level.”
Star forward Rituparna Chakma, who scored twice against Myanmar, added, “Football is not an individual game. We Bangladeshi girls know how to fight in tough situations. Believe in us—we won’t disappoint you.”
While the players and coaches were celebrated, many supporters had hoped for something more tangible from the BFF. No new incentives or bonus announcements were made, which left a sense of disappointment.
The Asian Cup finals will be held in Australia in March 2026. A top-six finish there could hand Bangladesh a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.