United News of Bangladesh

When the final whistle blew at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on July 2, 2025, the roar from the Bangladesh women’s national football team could be felt across the nation. They had done it—secured their first-ever spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, to be played under the bright lights of Australia. In the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification tournament, the 2-1 victory over Myanmar wasn’t just a win; it was a moment that united a country, sparked joy in every corner, and put Bangladeshi women’s football on the global map. And at the heart of it all was 21-year-old Ritu Porna Chakma, a young woman from Rangamati whose two breathtaking goals turned a dream into reality. A Star Born in the Hills Ritu’s story feels like it was written in the stars, but it’s rooted in the rugged beauty of Rangamati, where she was born on December 30, 2003. She fell in love with football in 2012, chasing a ball with the kind of joy only a kid can have. By 2013, at just 10 years old, she was already stealing the show at the Bangamata Gold Cup Football tournament, representing her school. Her quick feet, sharp passes, and fearless spirit made people sit up and take notice. Coaches saw something special—a spark that could light up the future. Ritu didn’t just play football; she lived it. By 2021, she was scoring for fun in the SAFF U-19 Championship, netting twice against Sri Lanka in Dhaka’s Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium. In 2022, she stepped up to the senior team, helping Bangladesh clinch the SAFF Women’s Championship. But it was 2024 that made her a legend. In the SAFF final in Kathmandu, with the game on the line, Ritu scored a dramatic 80th-minute winner against Nepal at Dasharath Stadium. That 2-1 victory wasn’t just about retaining the title—it was about showing the world what Bangladesh could do. Read more: CA Yunus hails historic Asian Cup qualification by Bangladesh women footballers Table: Career Summary of Ritu Porna Chakma  Career Milestones Details 2012 Began playing football 2013 Represented school in Bangamata Gold Cup Football tournament 2021 Scored twice against Sri Lanka in SAFF U-19 Championship 2022 Contributed to SAFF Women’s Championship as a substitute, scoring two goals 2024 Scored winning goal in SAFF Championship final against Nepal 2025 Scored brace against Myanmar in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers . Rising Above Personal Trials Ritu Porna Chakma’s journey to football stardom is as much about heart as it is about skill. Born in Rangamati, Bangladesh, this 21-year-old winger faced profound personal challenges that would have tested anyone’s spirit. In 2015, the tragic loss of her father, Bolaz Bashi Chakma, left young Ritu with the weight of supporting her mother, Kala Sona Chakma, and her family. Yet, even as responsibilities mounted, Ritu’s love for football never wavered. Her determination only grew stronger, fueled by a promise to honor her family through her passion. The pain of loss struck again when Ritu’s brother passed away in a tragic accident. In a deeply moving moment during a match against Pakistan, she dedicated a goal to him, a testament to her emotional strength and the love she carries for her family. For Ritu, every step on the pitch is a tribute to those she’s lost and a beacon of hope for those she lifts up. Her resilience has not only shaped her as a player but also inspired a nation. Read more: Bangladesh collapse in first ODI vs Sri Lanka The Night That Changed History: Bangladesh vs. Myanmar On July 2, 2025, Ritu Porna Chakma and the Bangladesh women’s national team scripted a night to remember at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. Facing a formidable Myanmar side—ranked 55th globally, a staggering 73 places above Bangladesh’s 128th—the Bengal Tigresses took the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers by storm. The match was more than a game; it was a chance for redemption after Bangladesh’s 5-0 loss to Myanmar in the 2018 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers at the same venue. Ritu rose to the occasion with breathtaking brilliance. In the 19th minute, she seized a rebound from her own free kick and unleashed a thunderous angular shot from the top of the box, outwitting Myanmar’s defense and goalkeeper to give Bangladesh a 1-0 lead. As Myanmar fought back in the second half, pressing for an equalizer, Ritu struck again. In the 72nd minute, her precise left-footed shot from the left wing soared past the keeper, securing a 2-0 lead. Though Myanmar’s Win Win pulled one back late in the game, Bangladesh held their ground for a historic 2-1 victory. Table: Stats of Bangladesh Squad in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification Match Details: Bangladesh vs. Myanmar Information Date July 2, 2025 Venue Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon Final Score Bangladesh 2-1 Myanmar Bangladesh Goals Ritu Porna Chakma (19th min, 72nd min) Myanmar Goal Win Win (late goal) Impact Secured Bangladesh’s qualification for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 . The win was sealed as Group C’s defining moment when Bahrain and Turkmenistan played out a 2-2 draw later that day, confirming Bangladesh as group winners and earning them a coveted spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. For Ritu and her teammates, this triumph was more than a qualification—it was a statement that Bangladesh’s women belong on the global stage. Read more: Chelsea signs Brazil forward Joao Pedro from Brighton A Legacy in the Making Ritu Porna Chakma’s story is one of courage, talent, and unbreakable spirit. From the hills of Rangamati to the international spotlight, she has carried the dreams of her family and her nation. Her brace against Myanmar wasn’t just about goals; it was about proving that no obstacle is too big, no opponent too strong, and no dream too distant. As Bangladesh prepares to take on the world in 2026, Ritu stands as the heart and soul of a team that’s rewriting history—one fearless step at a time. Kicking Off with Fire The Bangladesh women’s football team, with the unstoppable Ritu Porna Chakma leading the charge, has written a story that’s got the whole country buzzing. Their road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 started with a bang on June 29, 2025, when they crushed Bahrain 7-0 in the qualifiers. Ritu got on the scoresheet, alongside her teammates Shamsunnahar J, Kohati Kisku, Tohura Khatun, Munki Akhter, and even a helping hand from Bahrain’s Rawan Alali with an own goal. Then came the heart-pounding 2-1 win against Myanmar on July 2, 2025 a first for Bangladesh, stringing together back-to-back victories in the AFC qualifiers. Head coach Peter Butler, with his calm but firm words about staying grounded, has molded this team into something special. The Bengal Tigresses aren’t just playing; they’re rewriting what South Asian football looks like with their bold, attacking style. Smashing Stereotypes, One Goal at a Time This qualification for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia isn’t just about football; it’s about breaking barriers. Bangladesh, the first South Asian team in 22 years to make it this far, has defied expectations in a country where women’s football often fights an uphill battle. With young stars like Ritu leading the way, this moment feels like a turning point. It’s a burst of pride for the nation and a loud message to every girl watching: you can dream big, and you can win. The Tigresses are proving that women’s football in South Asia is here to stay, and it’s only getting stronger. Read more: Bangladesh edge closer to AFC Women’s Asian Cup final round after defeating Myanmar Ritu, the Heart of the Team As the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 looms, Ritu Porna Chakma is the name on everyone’s lips. She’s got that rare gift—thriving when the pressure’s on, with skills that dazzle and a spirit that doesn’t quit. With one last group match against Turkmenistan on July 5, 2025, the Tigresses are hungry to keep their fire burning and show Asia what they’re made of. Ritu’s journey from the quiet hills of Rangamati to the roar of international stadiums is the kind of story that gives you chills. Her two goals against Myanmar weren’t just about winning a game; they were about carving out a legacy. As Bangladesh celebrates this historic moment, Ritu stands as a symbol of what's possible when talent meets heart. She’s not just playing for herself; she’s lighting the way for a new generation of girls to run, kick, and dream without limits. Read more: Ruman Shana: The Archer Who Put Bangladesh on the Map

The 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup is expected to take place on 7–20 April 2024. However, the qualification round for the final tournament has just started, and the Bangladesh U-17 Women’s team will play the second and last match on April 30, 2023. In the upcoming final tournament, a total of eight teams will participate. The host country and the top three teams from the previous tournament in 2019 will automatically qualify for the tournament. The remaining four teams will be determined through the qualification process. And Bangladesh will have to fight to be one of those four teams to play in the final tournament. Bangladesh Squad in 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers On Sunday, April 16, the Bangladesh Football Federation announced a 22-player squad for the upcoming qualifiers of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 in Singapore. The U-17 national women’s team will participate in the three-team Group D of the qualifiers, played against Turkmenistan on April 26, and will play the hosts Singapore on April 30 at Jalan Besar Stadium in Kallang. Bangladesh Squad Goalkeepers: Jui Akter, Mahlathui Marma, and Songgita Rani Das. Defenders: Arpita Biswas Arpita, Kanom Akter, Ananna Murmu Bithi, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita (vice-captain), Mst Ruma Akter (captain), Nadia Akter Juti, and Ritu Akter. Midfielders: Kanon Rani Bahadur, Arifa Akter, Most Munki Akhter, Mst Oeyshi Khatun, Munne, Nusrat Jahan Mitu, and Puja Das. Forwards: Mst Sagorika, Mst Sultana Akter, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Sree Moti Trishna Rani, Thuinuye Marma, and Umehla Marma. Read More: AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup: Bangladesh to play hosts Singapore in a do-or-die match Sunday Most of these players have experience playing in an international event such as the 2023 SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship. And some of the players had outstanding performances in the tournament. For example, Trishna Rani and Thuinuye Marma scored two goals against Bhutan. So, we can expect the same performance from them in the qualification round of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asia Cup. Apart from them, Sultana Akter, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Sagorika, and Munne may also have a great impact on the tournament. Prospect of Bangladesh in 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualification Previously the Bangladesh Football Federation did not allow the team to play in the Olympic qualifiers due to a financial crisis. After that, Bangladeshi football fans erupted in anger against the federation, and now the U-17 team started their qualification journey for the 2024 AFC U-17 Asia Cup. Singapore hosts the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024 qualifiers with the support of the Asian Football Confederation. Bangladesh is in Group D of the competition. The remaining two teams in Bangladesh’s group are hosts Singapore and Turkmenistan. Bangladesh will play one match each with Singapore and Turkmenistan in the ‘D’ group, where the Tigresses want to play in the second round as group champions. And Bangladeshi girls got a great start to achieving the goal. Bangladesh beat Turkmenistan by 6-0 at Jalan Besar Stadium. From the beginning of the match, Bangladesh put pressure on Turkmenistan, and they were cornered by one attack after another. As a result, Bangladesh got the goal quickly. Midfielder Puja Das opened the scoring in 3 minutes. Forward Thuinuye Marma scored in the 5th minute to make it 2-0. Another goal came from her feet in the 53rd minute, which was the team’s fourth goal. In the 39th minute, defender and captain Ruma Akter made it 3-0. Forward Sauravi made it 5-0 with a penalty in the 60th minute. The sixth and final goal came in the 82nd minute from the penalty spot, scored by substitute forward Trishna. Read More: AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup: Bangladesh make flying start outplaying Turkmenistan by 6-0 goals Bangladesh will play the second and final match against the host Singapore on April 30. However, most of the footballers in the U-17 team do not have experience playing on foreign fields. But according to coach Golam Rabbani, the girls are not afraid, and his words have been proven in the first game against Turkmenistan. So, we can see a great prospect reaching this team in the final tournament. Also, this team played in the 2023 SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship, where Bangladesh beat Bhutan and India. So, the experience from SAFF U-17 will also come in handy for the girls. Final Words So far, Indonesia, Japan, North Korea, and China qualified for the final tournament automatically. And after the qualification round, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India secured the second round. Bangladesh must need a win against Singapore today to secure the second round in the 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualification.

Siraj Samrity Sangsad earned a huge 5-1 goal victory over FC Brahmanbaria in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League' 2021-22 at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Thursday Prity made a hattrick scoring three goals in the 33rd, 88th and 90+2 minutes while Kanon and Munki netted two other goals for the winner while Sagorika netted the consolation goal for the losers. Read more: Women's Football: Jamalpur beat Farashganj 2-0 In the day's other match, Cumilla United Club beat Farashganj Sporting Club by 2-1 goal at the same venue Purnima and Trishna scored one each for the winners while Somali scored the lone goal for the losers.

Jamalpur Kacharipara Akadosh earned a 2-0 victory over Farashganj Sporting Club in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League 2021-22 at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka's Kamalapur on Monday. Afroza put Jamalpur ahead in the 10th minute (1-0); Krishna Rani sealed the fate of the match scoring the second goal for the winners in the 32nd minute (2-0). Read: BPL Football: Dhaka Abahani beat Rahmatganj 2-1 to get first win The day's other match between Siraj Smriti Sangsad and Cumilla United Club ended in a goalless draw at the same venue in the afternoon. Bashundhara Kings and Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College Sporting Club maintained their unbeaten record in the ongoing league, securing 30 points from 10 matches. They will face each other in their last league match on Thursday at 2pm at the same venue. Bashundhara Kings need just a draw in their last match to scoop the league crown as they are ahead of their rivals in goal differences with (98-1) 97 plus goals against 68 plus goals of ARB College (71-3).  

Siraj Smriti Sangsad and Uttara Football Club won their respective matches in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League' 2021-22 at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Thursday. In the day's first match, Siraj Smriti Sangsad earned a comfortable 6-0 goal victory over Jamalpur Kacharipara Ekadosh Thursday afternoon. Read more: Women's Football: Bashundhara Kings, Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College maintain all win run Trishna Rani and Liva struck two goals each while Munki and Moumita netted one each for the winners. In the day's other league match, coming from behind, Uttara Football Club beat Barisal Football Academy by 2-1 goal. Lipi and Rojena scored one goal each for the winners while Sinha netted the lone goal for the losers.

Bashundhara Kings and Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College Sporting Club maintained their all-win run in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League' 2021-22 at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Wednesday. After the day's matches, both the teams clearly dominated the league securing full 27 points from straight nine matches and will face each other in the 11th and last round match on December 29 to decide the league champions. But in the goal differences, Bashundhara Kings are ahead of the ARB College. In the day's first match, Bashundhara Kings, riding on a hattrick by striker Sanjida Akter, earned a massive 12-0 goal victory over Cumilla United Club this afternoon. Apart from Sanjida's hattrick with three goals, Shirat Jahan Swapna and Marzia struck two goals each while Sabina, Sheuli, Maria, Masura and Rupna scored one each for the Kings, which dominated the first half by 9-0 goals.  Read more: Women's Football League begins Nov 15  In the day's 2nd match, Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College Sporting Club crushed FC Brahmanbaria by 8-0 goal Wednesday afternoon.  Ripa and Mahfuza struck twice each while Kohati, Swapna, Nowson and Mirona scored one each for the winners. .  

Barisal Football Academy outplayed Dhaka Rangers Football Club by 6-0 goals in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League' 2021-22 at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Monday. In the day's 2nd match, Marufa, Kakoli, Sajeda, Sikha,  Poly and Taniya scored one each for the Barisal FA, which dominated the first half by 2-0 goals. Earlier in the day's first match, Suddopuskorini JSC beat Farashganj Sporting Club by 2-0 goals at the same venue Monday afternoon.    After a barren first half, Nasrin and Sultana scored one each for the winners.  

Uttara Football Club earned a huge 6-1 goals victory over FC Brahmanbaria in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League' 2021-22 at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Sunday. Lipi and Parul struck twice each while Rojina and Tonni netted one goal each for the Uttara FC in the 2nd half after trailing by 0-1 goal in the first half. Rubina scored the consolation for FC Brahmanbaria in the first half. Read more: Women's Football: Bashundhara Kings, Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College continue winning run In the day's other match, Siraj Smriti Sangsad outplayed Nasrin Sports Academy by 6-0 goals at the same venue Sunday afternoon. Mitu and Trishna scored two goals each while Roja and Liva netted one each for the winners.

Bashundhara Kings and Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College continued their winning run in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League 2021-22 Saturday. Bashundhara Kings, riding on a hattrick of Shamsunnahar Jr, earned a 7-0 victory over Jamalpur Kacharipara Akadash in the day's second match in the afternoon at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur, Dhaka. National team forward Shamsunnahar scored five goals; Sanjida and Nargis netted the other two for the Kings. Read more: Women's Football: Barisal FA beat Cumilla United 2-0 In the day's first match at the same venue, Aklima Khatun guided Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College Sporting Club to a 6-0 victory against Cumilla United Club. Forward Aklima Khatun, who scored a double hattrick against Nasrin Sports Academy in their 14-0 victory in the last match, also completed her hattrick, scoring four goals. Shaheda and Swapna scored the other two goals for the winners.  

Bashundhara Kings and Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College Sporting Club maintained their all-win run in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League 2021-22 outplaying their rivals at the Bir Shreshta Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Tuesday.  Bashundhara Kings, which earned a huge 10-1 goals victory over Suddopuskorini JSC in the last match, today (Tuesday) piled up another massive 11-0 goals victory over Nasrin Sports Academy in the afternoon. Read more: Women's Football: Bashundhara Kings, Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College earn massive win National forward cum captain Sabina Akhter, Anuching Moguni and Sumaiya made hat tricks for the Kings in the day's match scoring four, three and three goals respectively while Sanjida netted the remaining goal. This was 2nd consecutive hattrick for Anuching Mogini in the league after making hattrick with four goals in the previous match against Suddopuskorini JSC. Read more: Women's football: Uttara FC thrash Farashganj SC 4-0 In the day's other match, Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College Sporting Club crushed Jamalpur Kacharipara Akadash by 9-0 goals at the same venue.  Forward Aklima Khatun, who made double hattrick against Nasrin Sports Academy in their 14-0 goals victory in the last match, today (Tuesday) also made double hattrick against Jamalpur KA scoring six goals while Shohagi Kisku and Afeida Khondakar netted two other goals for the winners.