Restricting women's football against Bangladesh’s spirit: National Citizens’ Committee

It denounces the attack as “barbaric,” calling it a blatant act of misogyny

The National Citizens' Committee has condemned the recent attack and acts of vandalism that occurred during the preparations for a women's football match in Joypurhat.

The committee has called the attempt to disrupt the match a violation of the principles that underpin Bangladesh's values, emphasising that such behaviour is "against the spirit of Bangladesh", which it found "unacceptable”.

It has urged the authorities to "quickly" identify those responsible for the attack and take appropriate "legal action" against them.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Samantha Sharmin, the committee’s spokesperson, detailed the incident.

“On Jan 28, a radical group attacked and vandalised the preparations for a women’s football match at the Tilakpur High School ground in Joypurhat’s Akkelpur Upazila. Due to the attack, the game was disrupted, and millions of taka were lost.”

The committee denounced the attack as “barbaric,” expressing its “condemnation and protest” over what it described as a blatant act of misogyny.

The organisation warned that such incidents undermine broader efforts toward peace and progress in Bangladesh.

“These misogynistic activities are extremely condemnable and contrary to overall peace and progress,” the committee said in its statement.

At a time when female footballers are making strides on the international stage—most recently securing victory in the SAFF Championship—the Citizens' Committee observed the attack was an "attempt to hinder the progress of women".

“This incident will provide material for negative propaganda about post-coup Bangladesh in the international arena,” the committee lamented.

Highlighting the role of sports and cultural activities in fostering personal growth and social development, the Citizens' Committee urged authorities, law-enforcing agencies, and the public to take a stand against such "subversive activities" and to implement effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The National Citizens’ Committee is determined to ensure women's rights in all aspects of society in the new Bangladesh achieved through the July Revolution with the massive participation and leadership of women,” the statement read.