Girls must be able to play without fear

We are alarmed by the cancellation of a women’s football match in Sunamganj because of objections and threats from a group of local residents. The match between Shopno Chura Sporting Club of Derai and Zara Sporting Club of Sylhet was supposed to take place on October 5 at Derai Upazila Stadium. The incident shows how some extremist groups continue to oppose women’s participation in sports and try to impose their views on others. It is also concerning that the local administration and police failed to provide the support needed to hold the match. By giving in to such pressure, the authorities have undermined women’s right to sports and failed to ensure equal opportunities for all.

The organisers were forced to cancel the match shortly before kick-off after some residents objected to women playing football, describing the game as “indecent”. The group reportedly approached the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) to demand that the match be stopped, and later returned to press their demand. The organisers said they contacted the police but were advised to suspend the match. Such responses from the authorities only reward intimidation and allow opponents of women’s participation in public life to dictate their choices. Similar disruptions occurred in Joypurhat and Dinajpur in January 2025 by groups who opposed female athletes taking the field. Must women and girls defend their right to play sports every time someone objects?

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These incidents come at a time when women’s football has become a source of national pride, with players from remote areas contributing significantly to the country’s achievements. When even the government encourages girls to take part in sports through various initiatives, local authorities appear unable to protect them from those seeking to obstruct their participation. Encouraging girls to play sports means little if they cannot do so without fear. The girls of Shopno Chura Sporting Club have played football since 2019, travelling to Dhaka and elsewhere for matches and competing in national-level tournaments. Their commitment deserves support, not humiliation or intimidation.

The government must act now to ensure that the match is held with adequate security, and that those who threatened the organisers are identified and held accountable. The Sunamganj administration and police must also explain why they failed to ensure that the match would take place. Sporting bodies, local representatives and community leaders should also speak out against attempts to restrict women’s participation in sports. If necessary, the government should also examine whether stronger legal safeguards are required to prevent such obstruction of women’s sporting events.