The Bangladesh Women's National Football Team's training camp, currently housed within the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) building, may be relocated to the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) due to ongoing mass upsurge in the country.
The BFF had established a permanent camp for the women's team on a dedicated floor within the federation headquarters. This facility currently accommodates both the senior national team preparing for the upcoming SAFF Championship and the U-20 women's squad. A total of 50 female footballers are residing at the camp.
However, with the recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5th sparking unrest across the nation, the BFF has been forced to consider the safety of the players. Opportunistic mobs have been reported to be vandalizing and looting various locations, raising concerns about the security of the BFF building itself.
BFF General Secretary, Imran Hossain Tushar, expressed his reluctance to believe that the federation building would be targeted, stating, “The BFF is not a political institution; it is a place that fosters the love for football amongst all Bangladeshis. Football transcends such matters and unites our nation through passion. I have faith that the girls will be safe here. We have significantly bolstered security measures to ensure their well-being."
While acknowledging the public's adoration for football and the inherent safety of the BFF building, Tushar revealed that the federation has proactively contacted BKSP to explore additional security options.
"BKSP houses numerous athletes, and while they expressed their capacity to accommodate the women's team, there are some logistical hurdles concerning food provisions due to their existing commitments," he explained. "A final decision regarding the potential relocation will be announced next Saturday after receiving BKSP's confirmation."
The move comes amidst ongoing demands for the resignation of key BFF officials, including President Kazi Salauddin, Senior Vice President Abdus Salam Murshedi, and Women's Wing Chairman Mahfuza Akhter Kiran. The Bangladesh Football Ultras, a passionate supporters' group, staged a peaceful protest in the form of a human chain outside the BFF building on Tuesday. Local citizens joined their demonstration, highlighting concerns about the apparent lack of robust security measures at the time.
"The Bangladesh Football Ultras conducted themselves admirably during their protest," commented Tushar. "Their dedication to football and the safety of the players is commendable. I have personally spoken with them, and they have assured me of their commitment to peaceful activities."
While the security situation at the BFF appeared unchanged on the surface, with only the main gate being locked, reports suggest that most federation officials have been working remotely. The potential relocation to BKSP underscores the seriousness of the situation and the BFF's commitment to prioritizing the safety of the women's national football team.
