Responding to Nepal coach calling the win “unlucky,” Bangladesh coach Butler shot back, “The harder you work, the luckier you get. Take that with you, and have it printed on your tombstone.”

Bangladesh scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as defending champions came from behind to beat Nepal 2-1 in a keenly-contested SAFF Women's Championship semifinal on Wednesday, securing a third consecutive appearance in the tournament final.

Speaking after a training session in Goa, Butler dismissed concerns over Ritu’s quiet performance against the Maldives, insisting that occasional off-days are part of a young player’s development.

Footballer Hamza Choudhury stole the spotlight at the Kool-BSPA Sports Award 2025, claiming three major accolades, including the coveted Sportsperson of the Year and Popular Choice Award, during a glittering ceremony at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Friday.

Despite the conditions and statistics being heavily stacked against them, Bangladesh’s tigresses showed that they were more than willing to go toe-to-toe with one of the world’s finest sides.

Rajshahi finished with maximum points in the 11-team league.

As the world stepped into 2026, Bangladesh's leading sports figures struck a delicate balance between grief and grit, using the new year not merely for celebration, but for reflection, responsibility, and renewed ambition.

In 2025, Bangladesh witnessed a dramatic homecoming -- one that, even a few years back, few believed would be possible.

It would be easy to begin with cliches: underdogs, fairy tales, David and Goliath. However, the story of Bangladesh women’s football in 2025 refuses the comfort of familiar labels.

Newcomers Rajshahi Stars FC are set to field a strong squad in the upcoming BFF Women’s Football League with the inclusion of national women’s team captain Afeida Khandokar and star forward Ritu Porna Chakma.

Ritu Porna Chakma expressed her overwhelming joy and profound sense of honour after being named one of the recipients of this year’s prestigious Rokeya Padak. Speaking to The Daily Star, the poster girl of Bangladesh women’s football said the recognition stood among the most significant achievements of her career.

Peter Butler will look to prepare his charges for the challenges of next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup as Bangladesh women's football team take on a strong Thailand side in the first of two international friendly matches today.

Women's football in the Chattogram Hill Tracts has not been built overnight. It has been shaped by the persistence of people like Suehlamong, who believed in the game's potential to change lives.

Travelling to Maghachhari village in Ghagra Union of Kaukhali Upazila, Rangamati, Rizvi handed over Tk 2 lakh in cash on behalf of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to support her medical expenses.

After Bangladesh’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, national team captain Afeida Khandokar has urged for improved facilities, including proper nutrition and training grounds, to prepare for bigger targets, including Olympics qualification.

Few expected Bangladesh to stamp their ticket to the Women's Asian Cup at a qualifying tournament last week after a year in which they had failed to win a game and lost some of their most experienced players.

"Ritu Porna is Bangladesh's Messi. There's no doubt Hamza [Choudhury] is also a good footballer. Hamza, too, is a matter of pride for our country," Kiron told reporters on Thursday. 

Having already secured their place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the very first time, Bangladesh women’s football team now has a chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics as well.

In the heart of Yangon, under the weight of history and the roar of a partisan crowd, Bangladesh women’s team paid a tribute to the beautiful game by being tactically astute, fearless in execution, and united in belief.

Bangladesh women’s team head coach Peter Butler heaped praise on his lynchpin forward Ritu Porna Chakma, backing her greater things, following her standout performance in the historic 2-1 win over Myanmar, which secured Bangladesh a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the very first time.