Footballer Rituparna Chakma has said that the Bangladesh women’s football team aim to take the country not just to the top of Asia, but onto the global stage.
She made the remarks during a reception at the Amphitheatre in Hatirjheel, Dhaka, after the team returned from Myanmar early Monday. The reception was organised after the team made history by qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time.
Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the team was taken directly to Hatirjheel. They reached the venue at 3:15 am, where members of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) executive committee welcomed them with flower bouquets.
Despite the late hour, around a thousand fans gathered at the venue, chanting “Bangladesh, Bangladesh” to cheer on Rituparna and her teammates.
Rituparna, who played a key role in the team’s success by scoring a brace against Myanmar, thanked the fans for their overwhelming support. She also expressed gratitude to BFF President Tabith Awal and Women’s Wing Chairperson Mahfuza Akter Kiron.
Sharing her larger vision, Rituparna said, “We’ve reached this stage through teamwork. Football is not an individual game. The women of Bangladesh know how to fight in tough situations. Please keep believing in us — we won’t let you down. We want to take Bangladesh not just to the top of Asia, but to the global stage.”
Coach Peter Butler began his speech with a warm “Assalamu Alaikum” in Bangla and praised the team’s dedication. He said the victory was the result of the players giving everything they had on the field.