Published: July 6, 2025, 06:54 PM
In a move raising eyebrows, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has scheduled a felicitation ceremony for the women’s national football team at 2:30 AM, shortly after their return from Myanmar, where they secured a historic qualification for the AFC Women`s Asian Cup for the first time.
The team is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:25 AM tonight, following a flight from Yangon with a layover in Bangkok. Despite the late hour, players will be immediately taken to Hatirjheel Amphitheatre for the celebration.
BFF President Tabith Awal is set to attend the event and officially hand over a promised cash reward of Tk 1.5 crore, pledged to the team for winning the SAFF Women`s Championship in 2024.
According to BFF sources, the unusual timing is due to logistical constraints, particularly the urgent departure of star players Ritu Porna Chakma and Monika Chakma to Bhutan on Monday morning, where they will join clubs in the Bhutanese league.
The women`s team earned widespread acclaim after dominating their qualifying group. They crushed Bahrain 7-0, edged hosts Myanmar 2-1, and closed their campaign with another 7-0 victory against Turkmenistan — finishing undefeated and earning a spot in the 2025 AFC Women`s Asian Cup in Australia.
While the celebration reflects the magnitude of their achievement, the odd timing has sparked debate over the decision to host such a major event in the middle of the night, especially without rest for the players after a long journey.
