Spectators in Palashbari Government College field on Friday afternoon witnessed an unusual yet inspiring football match, as Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised a friendly game under the slogan “We are against drugs and child marriage.”
The 30-minute match featured female footballers facing off against a team of teenage boys, captivating the crowd with their spirited performance. Though the match ended goalless, the determination and skill of the female players drew admiration from all sides.
Among them, goalkeeper Kumari Adrita Rani, trained at BKSP, stood out for her remarkable saves, repeatedly thwarting her opponents’ attacks. Players Habiba, Subarna, Ritu, Shishir, Sumi, and Rubina showed strong defensive and attacking coordination, while Sadia Akter, another BKSP trainee, narrowly missed scoring a goal.
Before the match, participants took an oath to resist drugs and child marriage — a pledge that resonated strongly with the cheering audience.
The event began with an inaugural session chaired by Suruj Haque Liton, President of Shuvosangho’s Palashbari unit and one of Gaibandha’s leading women’s football trainers. Speakers included former Union Parishad chairman Anisur Rahman Manik, assistant teacher Sabina Yasmin, district Shuvosangho president Humayun Ahmed Biplob, football academy organiser Moniruzzaman Mithun, businessman Md Atikur Rahman, former footballer Khairul Islam, and The Daily Kaler Kantho district correspondent Amitava Das Himun. The session was moderated by Sumaiya Akter Sumona, general secretary of Shuvosangho’s Palashbari unit.
Former chairman Anisur Rahman Manik praised Bashundhara Shuvosangho for creatively using football as a medium to raise awareness, calling it “a powerful and innovative way to strengthen women’s social standing.”
Teacher Sabina Yasmin thanked Bashundhara Group for inspiring youth involvement in humanitarian causes through Shuvosangho. She urged greater efforts to promote women’s education, safety, and protection from violence.
Concluding the event, Suruj Haque Liton highlighted the dual threats of child marriage and drug abuse, saying, “Bashundhara Shuvosangho will continue to work on these critical social issues to build a safer and stronger community.”
Bd-pratidin English/TR
