In a bold move ahead of the upcoming tri-nation tournament in Jordan, Bangladesh women`s national football team head coach Peter Butler has announced a 23-member squad, recalling nine players previously involved in a standoff with management.
However, notable absentees include captain Sabina Khatun, Sanjida Akter and several other SAFF-winning stars; a decision that signals a significant shift in team dynamics ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
The announced squad includes nine of the 18 players who had earlier demanded Butler`s removal, a dispute that had temporarily shaken the national camp before intervention by Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
Those returning to the fold include prominent names like Rupna Chakma, Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun and both Shamsunnahar Sr. and Jr.
In addition, three new faces have earned their first call-ups; goalkeeper Ferdousi Akter, midfielder Shanti Mardi and forward Umela Marma.
Despite reconciliation efforts, several experienced players failed to make the cut. Most notably, team captain and SAFF Championship star Sabina Khatun, along with Masura Parveen, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Matsushima Sumaiya and Sanjida Akter, have been excluded.
Addressing Sabina’s omission, Butler remarked, "Sabina has had a great career, and I respect her achievements. But I believe her time is nearing its end. As for Masura, she is currently not in optimal shape. These are the realities we have to accept."
The squad also retains 11 players from recent UAE tour, including captain Afida Khandaker, Meghla Rani and Zaynab Bibi.
Bangladesh will face Jordan and Indonesia in two preparatory matches on May 31 and June 3.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers begin June 23 in Myanmar, where Bangladesh is placed in Group C alongside Myanmar, Bahrain and Turkmenistan.
Full Bangladesh Squad:
Goalkeepers: Rupna Chakma, Meghla Rani, Ferdousi Akter
Defenders: Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr., Afida Khandaker, Zaynab Bibi
Midfielders: Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Munki Akter, Swapna Rani, Kohati Kisku, Halima Akter, Shanti Mardi
Forwards: Rituparna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar Jr., Mosammat Sagorika, Shaheda Akter, Suravi Akand, Mosammat Sultana, Nabiran Khatun, Umela Marma.
