Four of the nation's top female football players are set to make history by joining Bhutanese side Royal Thimphu College FC. The move is seen as a significant step forward for the development of women's football in the country.
Captain Sabina Khatun, a seasoned campaigner with experience in India and the Maldives, will lead the quartet. Her inclusion in the Bhutanese side for the AFC Women’s Champions League is a major coup and offers an unprecedented opportunity for her to rub shoulders with top-class Asian talent.
The other three players - Rituparna, Maria Manda, and Monika Chakma - will also benefit immensely from the experience of playing competitive football at a higher level. The exposure to a different footballing culture and the chance to test themselves against tougher opposition could be invaluable for their development.
While the immediate focus is on strengthening the Bhutanese side, the long-term implications for Bangladesh women's football are potentially far-reaching. The success of these four players in Bhutan could inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport and raise the profile of women's football domestically.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has backed the move, recognising the potential benefits for the national team. However, the decision to allow the players to compete in Bhutan highlights the challenges faced by women's football in the country. The absence of a professional women's league means opportunities for top players are limited, making overseas moves even more attractive.
The next few weeks will be a crucial period for these four pioneers. Their performances in Bhutan will be closely watched by fans and officials alike, with hopes high that their success can help drive women's football forward in Bangladesh.
