Saraban Tahura Set to Become Bangladesh’s Second Female FIFA Referee

Bangladesh football is set to reach another milestone as Saraban Tahura has successfully cleared the mandatory fitness test, positioning her to become the nation’s second female FIFA referee after trailblazer Joya Chakma.

Joya, who made history as Bangladesh’s first female FIFA referee, skipped the initial fitness test on September 6. Although she appeared for the second round, she did not qualify—leaving the female referee quota open for Tahura. Alongside her, Salma Akter Moni also passed and is slated to serve as an assistant FIFA referee for 2026.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will now submit the names of the selected referees and assistant referees to FIFA for final approval. Once confirmed, FIFA will officially award them their badges. For Tahura—who already meets the necessary age and eligibility criteria—this recognition is now considered a mere formality.

Tahura’s sporting background is both diverse and distinguished. Originally a kho kho player and captain of the Bangladesh women’s kho kho team, she began her refereeing journey in 2021 and recently earned her status as a national referee. She officiated four matches at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan and is scheduled to attend the AFC Referee Academy course in Malaysia later this month.