Police–Army match marks restart of Women’s League

The Women’s Football League returns to action on Monday after a season-long break, with Bangladesh Police Football Club taking on Bangladesh Army Sports Club in the opening fixture at Kamalapur Stadium.

The league’s resumption marks a significant lift for women’s football in Bangladesh, as 11 clubs gear up to compete in the new season.

Bangladesh Police FC will be making their debut in the Women’s League, extending their long-standing presence in domestic football to the women’s arena.

Despite facing time and budget limitations, the Police side have strengthened their inaugural campaign by signing national team players Sanjida Akhter and Sagarika.

Former Bangladesh international Wali Faisal has been appointed head coach, taking charge of a women’s club team for the first time in his coaching career.

Off the field, Bangladesh Police FC have also made an impression by 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 acknowledged the challenges of forming a team from scratch but voiced confidence in the club’s long-term vision.

“Building a team for the first time is never easy,” she said. “We faced constraints in time and budget, but we overcame them and assembled a squad with a clear long-term plan.” She added that the current team includes five serving female police officers.

Although Wali Faisal assumed his role just a day before the opening match, he dismissed concerns over limited preparation.

“Pressure is part of football,” he said. “Professionals must always be ready. Our journey begins now, and everyone will give their best.”

The coach admitted that developing team chemistry would take time.

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

National team midfielder Sanjida Akhter shared that confidence.

“The club has worked hard to put this team together,” she said. “Now it’s our responsibility to perform and prove ourselves on the field.”

Blending fresh ambition, national experience and a long-term blueprint, Bangladesh Police FC begin their Women’s Football League campaign against a strong Army side, aiming to make an immediate impact.