Bangladesh’s women’s football team is preparing to compete in the upcoming Asian Cup this March. On Wednesday, the Bangladesh Football Federation announced a 29-member preliminary squad for the tournament, which will serve as the foundation for the final team. Training camps had already begun a day earlier, although head coach Peter Butler was notably absent, currently attending to the under-19 team in Nepal.
The absence of Butler from the main squad and the exclusion of several high-profile players, including Sabina Khatun, has sparked questions and debate among fans and analysts. Critics have pointed out that at a time when Bangladesh is making its maiden Asian Cup appearance and aspiring to qualify for the World Cup and the Olympics, the head coach opted to focus on the youth team abroad rather than overseeing the senior squad on home soil.
Responding to the criticism on Thursday, the British coach clarified his position. “Organising an overseas training camp, which would have been extremely valuable for our preparation, was not possible,” Butler said. “Therefore, I am evaluating the current senior squad over a seven-day period while also monitoring the under-19 players in Nepal. A couple of these young talents could be considered for the AFC Asian Cup squad.”
On the issue of not including Sabina Khatun and four other players who had previously participated in last year’s January camp, Butler explained that the preliminary squad is not final. “I want to make it clear that the final team has not yet been announced; the opportunity remains open for all players. This preliminary squad is for training purposes, and some players are still under assessment due to injuries sustained during the league,” he added.
The decision to exclude five players who recently helped Bangladesh win the SAFF Women’s Championship has caused further debate. Many observers suggested that these players should have been called to camp and given a chance through trials. However, Butler maintained that the process remains fair and that selections will be finalised closer to the tournament.
Bangladesh has been drawn into Group B for the Asian Cup. According to the schedule, the team will face China on 3 March, North Korea on 6 March, and Uzbekistan on 9 March.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Group Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 March | China | TBD | B |
| 6 March | North Korea | TBD | B |
| 9 March | Uzbekistan | TBD | B |
Butler expressed optimism despite the logistical challenges, stating, “It is unfortunate that we could not arrange an overseas camp, but we are moving forward with positivity and enthusiasm. The players are motivated, and we are confident in their potential to make an impact at the Asian Cup.”