Women’s League restart features Police–Army match

The Women’s Football League roars back into action on Monday after a season-long hiatus, with Bangladesh Police Football Club clashing with Bangladesh Army Sports Club in the opening match at Kamalapur Stadium.

The restart signals a major boost for women’s football in Bangladesh, as 11 clubs line up to compete in the new season.

Bangladesh Police FC make their maiden appearance in the women’s league, extending their long-standing involvement in domestic football into the women’s game.

Despite time and budget constraints, the Police outfit have injected quality into their debut campaign by signing national team stars Sanjida Akhter and Sagarika.

Former Bangladesh international Wali Faisal has been handed the responsibility of leading the side, marking his first assignment as a women’s club team head coach.

Bangladesh Police FC also set the tone off the pitch, becoming the only club to officially unveil their jersey ahead of the tournament at a ceremony held at the Demra Police Lines.

Club coordinator Kazi Nusrat Edib Luna admitted the challenges of building a new team but expressed strong confidence in the project.

“Forming a team for the first time is never easy,” she said. “We faced limitations in time and budget, but we have overcome them and built a squad with a clear long-term vision.” She added that the current squad includes five serving female police personnel.

Wali Faisal took charge just a day before the opening match but brushed aside concerns over the lack of preparation time.

“Pressure is part of football,” he said. “Professionals must always be ready. Our journey starts now, and everyone will give one hundred per cent.”

The coach conceded that team chemistry may take time to settle.

“It may take two or three matches to fully gel,” he said. “But we will grow stronger with every game.”

National team midfielder Sanjida Akhter echoed that determination.

“The club has worked hard to build this team,” she said. “Now it’s up to us to give our best and prove ourselves on the pitch.”

With fresh ambition, national experience and a long-term blueprint, Bangladesh Police FC open their Women’s Football League journey against a formidable Army side, eager to make an early statement.