BFF holds midnight reception for women's team

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) held a special midnight reception to honour the national women's football team after their historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time.

The ceremony took place in the early hours of Sunday (July 6) at the Hatirjheel Amphitheater in Dhaka. The players arrived home shortly after 2:00am and were transported directly from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to the venue. The team was welcomed at around 3:15am by BFF officials, who greeted them with bouquets and cheers.

In attendance were BFF President Tabith Awal, Cultural Affairs Adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Former national team captain Aminul Haque, North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, team captain Afida Pranti, forward Rituparna Chakma, and head coach Peter Butler. Several dignitaries addressed the gathering, praising the team's dedication and their landmark achievement on the continental stage.

The BFF explained the unusual timing of the celebration, noting scheduling constraints. With forwards Rituparna and Monika Chakma scheduled to depart for Bhutan early Monday, and three more players set to leave within two days, the midnight event was arranged to ensure the full team could be present.

Bangladesh's qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup marks a significant milestone in the nation's football history, reflecting the rapid growth and potential of the women's game in the country.