The rise of Islamist protests in Bangladesh has led to the cancellation of women's football tournaments, dampening the dreams of young athletes and raising concerns about the safety and rights of women in sports. As radical groups assert their influence, women's empowerment and participation in public life face serious challenges.
Islamist Protests Force Cancellation of Women's Football Matches in Bangladesh
Islamist Protests Force Cancellation of Women's Football Matches in Bangladesh
Young female footballers in Bangladesh are facing increasing threats from Islamist groups, resulting in the cancellation of multiple matches aimed at empowering women through sport.
Asha Roy, a 17-year-old aspiring footballer, had her excitement for a women's tournament crushed after Islamist protests forced its cancellation in northern Bangladesh. The Islami Andolan Bangladesh group rallied against the event, claiming it violated Islamic values. In the face of potential conflict, local police advised the women to forgo the match for their safety. "I was frustrated and frightened. We had never faced such a situation before," Roy expressed in an interview.
Bangladesh, predominantly a Muslim nation, is navigating a political shift following the ousting of an authoritarian government. Islamist groups that had previously been sidelined are now gaining traction, sparking fears of rising radicalism. This recent incident marks the third cancellation of women’s football matches in under two weeks, indicating a troubling trend for female sports in the region.
Tensions have escalated into violence, as evidenced by clashes in the Dinajpur area, where pro-football locals were injured during altercations with Islamist protesters. For many young girls like Roy, sports represent empowerment and a pathway out of poverty, especially following the success of the national women's football team.
Despite the threats, some players remain determined. "It's my dream to represent our national team," stated Roy’s teammate, Musammat Tara Moni. Her coach, Nurul Islam, noted that he had never encountered such hostility in seven years of coaching.
The Islamist group claims that if women wish to play football, they must adhere to strict dress codes and play only in the presence of female spectators. Their leader, Maulana Ashraf Ali, has openly called for the imposition of Sharia law in Bangladesh.
Public outcry has followed the cancellations, leading to a reorganization of one tournament and an investigation into the Islamist protests. However, government officials like Shafiqul Alam downplay fears of radicalism, asserting that numerous women's sporting events have continued unhindered.
Academics express concern over the implications of these protests on women's rights. Samina Luthfa from the University of Dhaka remarked, "The cancellation of women's football matches is definitely alarming." While acknowledging public dissent, she affirmed that Bangladeshi women would persist in their right to participate in sports and activism.
The recent actions of the interim government have sparked further alarm as they ease restrictions on Islamist parties, including the Jamaat-e-Islami party. This liberalization appears to embolden extremists, as indicated by the release of individuals with alleged ties to militant groups.
The climate of fear extends beyond sports; Islamist students have recently vandalized a prominent book fair stall, leading to condemnation from the interim government. Prominent actress Pori Moni and others have faced similar cancellations for public appearances due to religious objections, stirring anxiety about women's roles in society.
Minority groups, particularly Sufi Muslims, report an increase in targeted assaults on their places of worship, raising alarm about the potential for "Talibanisation" in Bangladesh if radical behavior continues unchecked.
While police have emphasized that only a fraction of shrines have been attacked, the persistent rise in extremist actions casts a pall over the country’s socio-political landscape.
As Bangladesh grapples with these pressures, women's rights advocates warn that sustained inaction by the government could further marginalize women and girls, making participation in public life increasingly fraught with danger. Activist Shireen Huq remains hopeful that this disruptive trend will not endure, despite the significant challenges ahead.
