Women’s football in Bangladesh is set to enter a new era of growth and empowerment as the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) joined hands with FIFA to launch a fresh strategic plan for the next four years. 

The initiative, titled “Empower Her” aims to expand participation, strengthen leadership, and create a more inclusive environment for women in football across the globe.

The official inauguration of the FIFA–BFF Women’s Football Strategic Plan 2025–2028 took place in Dhaka on Monday, in the presence of Simon Anthony, FIFA’s Head of Women’s Football Development for the Asian region.

Bangladesh’s football success has often been led by its women — from youth-level triumphs to senior team championships. During the event, BFF Women’s Wing Chairperson Mahfuza Akhter Kiron delivered the opening remarks, followed by a video highlighting the journey and achievements of Bangladesh’s women footballers.

FIFA official Simon Anthony then took the stage to outline the organization’s renewed global vision for women’s football. The 2025–2028 strategy extends FIFA’s previous three-year plan into a four-year roadmap with a focus on increasing female participation and leadership in football.

“We conducted a global survey that revealed only 22% of licensed coaches in football are women,” said Anthony. “Through this strategy, we aim to significantly raise that number and reach our goal of 60 million women participating in football worldwide.”

Anthony added that FIFA’s efforts go beyond numbers — encompassing more tournaments, greater sponsorship opportunities, and closer collaboration with member associations. “Bangladesh has shown remarkable progress in women’s football,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to personally come here and share FIFA’s vision, so we can grow together with BFF.”

Expressing pride in the nation’s achievements, BFF President Tabith Awal said, “Our women are the pride of Bangladesh football. They’ve surpassed every expectation we set. Through this 2025–2028 FIFA–BFF strategy, we’re taking another formal step to strengthen women’s football and empower female players.”

Tabith further explained that the plan includes expanding local leagues, improving grassroots programs, and ensuring continuous training for emerging talents. He also emphasized BFF’s commitment to protecting women players both on and off the pitch. “Many female players face challenges like cyberbullying. We’ll stand by them and, if necessary, take legal action,” he added.