Head coach Peter Butler described SAFF-level football as “terrible”, stressing that the Bangladesh women’s team must regularly compete at a much higher standard if they want to improve.

The High Court today issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the discrimination in salaries, benefits, and opportunities between male and female footballers should not be declared illegal.

Butler welcomed the opportunity for more competitive exposure, saying he was "grateful" for international fixtures and noting how difficult it can be for arrange friendlies for women's teams.

The event forms part of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup build-up for the women in red and green.

Although the BFF has not disclosed the preparation budget, it is understood that Infinix will cover 50 percent of the estimated Tk 4 crore required.

Plans to create a pool of national players were dropped after approving foreign signings.

Dr. Lord brings a wealth of experience from his previous stints with A-League club Perth Glory, where he served as Head of Strength and Conditioning, and Egypt’s ZED FC.

These fixtures are part of Bangladesh’s ongoing preparations for next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. 

The women in red and green are set to play two international matches against hosts Thailand on October 24 and 27.

Women's football in the Chattogram Hill Tracts has not been built overnight. It has been shaped by the persistence of people like Suehlamong, who believed in the game's potential to change lives.

Both the senior and U-20 teams will begin a joint camp in mid-September under the supervision of head coach Peter Butler, who is expected to arrive in Dhaka around the same time following a much-deserved vacation.

While on-field progress has been remarkable, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) women’s wing chairman Mahfuza Akhter Kiron lamented the persistent lack of basic facilities.

Butler's reflections after latest campaign struck a balance between pride and pragmatism.

Butler’s side progressed as one of the three best runners-up across eight groups involving 32 teams, joining hosts Thailand in the 12-team finals set for next April.

If entertainment value and visibility are benchmarks for attracting sponsors and club interest, then our women footballers have already made a strong case.

Bangladesh will look to keep their winning momentum going in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers when the women in red and green take on unfamiliar opponents Timor-Leste in their second match at the Laos National Stadium today.

Bangladesh made the biggest leap in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking following their historic qualification for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time ever.

Eight group winners and three best runners-up from the qualifiers will join hosts Thailand for the 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup.

The charges of Peter Butler are set to depart for Laos on August 2.

In Star Explains, we break down Bangladesh’s group, their challenges, and their prospects in the upcoming Asian Cup.