A women’s football match in Bangladesh was canceled following protests by religious groups. The incident, which took place in the northwestern city of Joypurhat, involved students from a traditional religious school who vandalized the event venue and disrupted preparations.
Second Incident in a Few Days
This marks the second such disruption in a matter of days, raising concerns about the safety of women’s sports events in the country. The match was scheduled to take place between the district women’s team and another team from the nearby Rangpur district.
Protesters Storm Venue, Cause Damage
According to local organizers, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the football ground before marching towards the venue. Samiul Hasan Aimon, one of the tournament organizers, told AFP News Agency that the protest quickly escalated into chaos.
“Islamist groups gathered in our area and stormed the venue, damaging the setup,” Aimon said. “As conditions deteriorated, we were left with no option but to call off today’s match.”
Concerns Over Future Women’s Sports Events
The incident highlights the growing tension surrounding women’s participation in sports in certain regions of Bangladesh. Organizers and local authorities are now considering additional security measures to ensure that such events can take place without disruption in the future.
Despite this setback, sports officials and advocates for women’s rights continue to push for greater inclusivity and freedom for female athletes in Bangladesh.
