Introduction to Women’s Football in Bangladesh
For a country with 174 million people, Bangladesh has generally struggled to make an impact in the international sports arena. However, the country is now starting to make waves in women’s football. In July, the senior team qualified for the Asian Cup 2026 for the first time, and this month the U-20 team reached their continental championship for the first time.
The Role of the Rangatati United Women’s Football Academy
The Rangatati United Women’s Football Academy, located in the remote north of the country, has played a significant role in this success. The academy was founded in 2014 by Mohammad Tajul Islam, a former teacher and farmer with a social conscience. "Before I started the academy, there was nothing," he said. "I was a football fan and wanted to give opportunities because I could see that women’s football in Bangladesh could be powerful." The academy had three players in each of the two teams who qualified for the Asian trophies.
Star Players
One of the best-known players in the academy is Mosammat Sagorika, a 17-year-old who scored four goals for the team under 20 during the qualification for the Asian Cup. She is also an established senior international and was appointed MVP tournament in the regional championship last year. "I always had a dream of being a footballer, but my parents did not agree due to our social and religious environment," Sagorika said. "They wanted me to get a job as soon as possible and earn money."
Overcoming Challenges
For Tajul-Islam, the challenge was always convincing low-income families that girls could play football. "The girls were always very interested," he said. "But I knew that I had to speak to their parents to show them that football can be a good thing for their daughters. As soon as they gave their support, they gave us great support." This happened with Sagorika, whose parents initially did not allow her to play football but later supported her.
Community Support
As soon as the parents gave their permission, there were others in the wider community who were not sure how girls played football or even wore shorts. Women’s sports were traditionally not a priority in the country. However, the academy received broader support from local politicians, police, and administrators. "We went to local politicians, police, and administrators, and they also supported the academy," Tajul Islam said.
The Impact of Success
The Asian success has contributed to changing the settings at home. When Sagorika played against India in 2024, the domestic media reported that their fellow villagers, who originally frowned upon female football, had set up a projector to watch the game together, and their parents came to the stadium. "At half-time someone told me that my father and mother had come, and I ran to them. I am very happy that my parents got so far to watch me," Sagorika said.
Financial Challenges
Despite the success, it is a challenge to get the academy going with constant financial problems. "Some people helped a little, but I invested all my money," Tajul Islam said. "Rangatati is known in Bangladesh, but nobody at the national level helped me." He hopes that the recent results at the national level will bring public and private support to women’s football.
Future Prospects
Women are starting to make money in football, with the Federation concluding more than 30 player contracts with monthly salaries of around € 125 to € 350. The players have also started moving overseas, with ten of the youngest cadres playing their club football in Bhutan. "Our commitment will bring us to our goal because we do our best," Sagorika said. "If we receive scientific, logistical support, I believe that Bangladesh’s women will play at the World Cup."
