Sports Minister invites viral teacher to contribute to women's sports development

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has invited Syeda Khaleda Akter Poly, a primary school teacher from Feni who went viral for encouraging her students to play football in the rain, to contribute to the development of women's sports in the country.

The state minister met with Poly at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday, June 3, following a special directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. During the meeting, Aminul Haque inquired about her and her family's well-being and praised her unique initiative in grassroots sports as an exemplary effort.

The state minister has taken special initiatives to advance women's sports in the country. He formally proposed that Poly become associated with the Bangladesh Women's Sports Association and work on the safety and security of women in sports. The Ministry of Youth and Sports also assured her and her football-loving students of full support.

Poly, an assistant teacher at Gillabaria Government Primary School, shot to fame when a video of her passionately cheering on her students during a semi-final match in the rain went viral on social media on April 29. The video caught the attention of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who directed the district administration to send a special gift to her residence on May 26.

Poly comes from a family with a rich sporting tradition. Her father, Syed Mominul Islam, was a footballer for the iconic Mohun Bagan club; her brother, Syed Mamunul Hasan, was a renowned footballer in Feni district; and her late husband, Golam Rabbany, was the founder of Soccer Club and vice-president of the Feni District Sports Association. Poly herself once played handball and volleyball.

The meeting at the Secretariat has opened new possibilities for grassroots women's sports and safety in the country.