The Bangladesh Women's Sports Association has strongly protested the halting of a women's friendly football match in Derai, Sunamganj, due to obstruction by a group of religious zealots and reactionary elements.

A press conference was held this afternoon on Sunday at the conference hall of the Riya Gope Women's Sports Complex in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, with the aim of protecting the rights of female athletes and fostering united resistance against such regressive forces.

Speaking at the press conference, the Association's President, Sarwat Siraj Shukla, said, "Despite obtaining written permission from the local administration to organize the friendly football match between Sylhet Zara Sporting Club and the local Swapnachura Club in Dirai on October 5, a group of radical fundamentalists and religious zealots scuttled the event through a smear campaign. Girls from marginalized families step onto the field to bring glory to the country, overcoming immense adversity and the shackles of conservatism. In the 'New Bangladesh,' any attempt to stifle women's progress through such reactionary forces will not be tolerated." She strongly demanded that the match be rescheduled with adequate security measures ensured in Derai.

Sharmin Akter Ratna, the Association's General Secretary, stated, "The country and society can never benefit from those who seek to hold women back in the name of religion. Every attempt to halt women's sports and progress will be resisted."

Shabana, the captain of Swapnachura Club, who was present at the press conference, expressed her dismay while highlighting the struggle of marginalized girls from the Haor region to play football. She explained that just as they were dreaming of moving forward—having overcome various societal obstacles and family opposition—they were subjected to psychological pressure through threats on the eve of the match. Ultimately, due to security concerns, they were prevented from taking the field despite their extensive preparations. Describing the incident, Rakib, the coach of Swapnachura Club, stated that despite holding written permission from the Upazila administration, they were informed on the night of October 4 that the situation had spiraled out of control and that the organizers would be held liable for any untoward incidents. Consequently, prioritizing the overall safety of the players, they were ultimately compelled to postpone the match.

At a press conference, the Bangladesh Women's Sports Association strongly condemned this disgraceful incident in Dirai, Sunamganj, and demanded immediate and effective intervention by the local administration, the identification and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators, and the organization of the match at the earliest possible time with adequate security measures in place.