The Bangladesh women’s national football team departed for Thailand on Thursday morning to take part in a training camp ahead of the SAFF Women’s Championship. The camp forms part of their structured preparation programme for the regional tournament.
However, the full squad could not travel together due to visa complications. Out of a 32-member contingent, nine individuals remain in Bangladesh as they have not yet received visas. According to the team manager, the affected group includes two goalkeepers, Mili Akter and Rupna Chakma, alongside several coaching staff and officials.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is maintaining regular communication with the Thai Embassy in an effort to resolve the issue. The manager stated that once visas are issued, the remaining members are expected to join the squad, potentially as early as the following day.
The head coach and the fitness coach, both foreign passport holders, were not required to obtain visas. Similarly, player Anika, who holds a Swedish passport, was also exempt from the visa process and travelled with the team without disruption.
The training camp in Thailand is scheduled to continue until 21 May. During this period, Bangladesh are expected to conduct intensive training sessions and play two warm-up matches as part of their preparation. After completing the camp, the squad will travel to Goa, India, where the SAFF Women’s Championship will be held.
Bangladesh enter the tournament as two-time unbeaten champions and are preparing with the objective of securing a third consecutive title. The Bangladesh Football Federation has arranged specialised training and preparation facilities to support the team’s campaign.
Squad travel and visa status overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total squad members | 32 |
| Departed for Thailand | Majority of players and staff |
| Remaining in Bangladesh | 9 members |
| Players affected by visa delay | Mili Akter, Rupna Chakma |
| Additional affected members | Several coaching staff and officials |
| Head coach | Foreign passport holder, visa not required |
| Fitness coach | Foreign passport holder, visa not required |
| Player exempt from visa | Anika (Swedish passport holder) |
| Training camp duration | Until 21 May |
| Friendly matches planned | 2 matches |
| Next destination | Goa, India |
| Tournament | SAFF Women’s Championship |
The Bangladesh women’s national team, officially known as the Bangladesh women’s national football team, continues its preparations in Thailand ahead of the SAFF Women’s Championship. The forthcoming training camp and fixtures are intended to enhance match readiness before the team travels to Goa for the continental competition.