The Bangladesh women’s football juggernaut continues to roll. From the senior team securing their spot in the AFC Asian Cup to the U-20 squad winning the SAFF Championship and booking their own Asian Cup berth, success has become a habit. Now, the U-17 women’s team is ready to keep the streak alive as they depart on Friday morning for the SAFF U-17 Championship.
On Thursday, at the BFF House, the squad was officially announced. Women’s football committee chairperson Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, head coach Mahbubur Rahman Litu, assistant coach Abul Hossain and captain Arpita Biswas shared their plans and expectations for the tournament.
There was a time when the Bangladesh women’s team struggled to win matches unless facing weaker opponents. But years of steady growth have transformed them into one of Asia’s rising powers. While the country has enjoyed impressive results in recent youth tournaments, the U-17 side has yet to make a mark. Coach Litu expressed optimism, saying, “Women’s football in Bangladesh is improving every day. We are doing well in every category. I request you all to view this team positively and I believe the girls will not disappoint you.”
The absence of Peter Butler, known for his aggressive playing style, sparked questions over whether the U-17s would adopt a different approach. However, Litu confirmed that the team has been training under Butler’s blueprint. Kiron added, “Whatever style of play you see on the pitch, the main plan and training are based on Butler’s design. He had already made it clear that he would not be with the U-17 team, but his plan has guided their preparation.” This suggests the young team will still bring an attacking brand of football.
While football matters dominated the press conference, an old question resurfaced: why does the BFF not publish its financial statements?
Dhaka Bank has been a key sponsor of women’s football since 2018, with the deal growing over the years. Yet, neither the bank nor the BFF has ever disclosed the sponsorship amount. In contrast, the Japan Football Association and many other federations worldwide make their accounts public, as do several other sports bodies in Bangladesh.
When asked, Kiron responded, “Everything is included in our audit report. We are transparent financially. Each federation has its own policy, and you cannot compare two different federations.”
Critics argue that limiting financial information to internal audit reports means the public and fans remain unaware of how much money comes in and where it goes. They say if the national team’s success is a source of pride for all, then the financial side should also be open to everyone.