From the Pitch to the Palace: Women footballers meet Chief Advisor

This morning, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor, welcomed the victorious women’s football team at the State Guest House Jamuna. 

During a breakfast meeting, the players talked about various challenges they face. After hearing their concerns, he encouraged them to write down their issues.

Sports advisor Asif Mahmud shared details of the conversation with the media. He emphasized that the players will now be given more importance than committee members.

He said, “The chief advisor invited the SAFF-winning women’s football team for breakfast and listened carefully to each player. He asked them to submit a detailed written account of their problems. The players even gave him signed jerseys and footballs as gifts. We had an open discussion about their challenges, and the chief advisor promised to personally help address these issues.”

Mahmud added, “We talked about important topics like housing, training, salaries, and pay structures. It was a very honest conversation. We’ve asked the players to write down their concerns within the next two or three days, and I will make sure to deliver their requests to the chief advisor. The players mentioned that their success came from continuous training throughout the year and requested that this support be maintained all year round. Having their concerns in writing will help us understand their needs better.”

When asked what message the chief advisor had for the players, Mahmud said, “He asked for everything to be written down, and everyone will provide their own accounts. He encouraged them to keep up the winning spirit.”

Twenty-five people, including players and the head coach, attended the meeting, but the assistant coach and goalkeeper coach were not there. Mahmud explained, “The president of the Bangladesh Football Federation was out of the country, which is why they were not included. We arranged for those 25 people to be here, but the assistant and goalkeeper coaches were not listed.”

Regarding the possibility of providing flats for the players, Mahmud said, “I don’t have any information on that. The chief advisor hasn’t been informed either. When the players submit their requests in writing, we will check if this issue is mentioned. We will do our best within our country’s resources. Even though the cricket team faces many small problems, we will prioritize the players, who are the true stakeholders in sports. Until now, committee members received more focus, but I will ensure that this changes during my time.”