The Bangladesh national women’s football team departed for Thailand on Thursday morning to participate in a specialised preparatory camp ahead of the upcoming SAFF Women’s Championship. While the tour is a critical component of their title defence, the departure was marked by administrative hurdles, as visa complications prevented the entire contingent from travelling together.
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Visa Complications and Squad Logistics
Of the total 32-member delegation, only 23 individuals were able to board the flight to Bangkok. Nine members of the group remain in Dhaka awaiting travel clearance. According to the team manager, the delay is attributed to pending visa approvals from the Royal Thai Embassy.
The members currently grounded in Bangladesh include:
Goalkeepers: Rupna Chakma and Mili Akter.
Support Staff: Several members of the coaching department and team officials.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed that they are in constant communication with the embassy to expedite the remaining visas. Officials remain optimistic that the remaining nine members will be able to join the squad in Thailand by Friday, provided the documentation is processed in time.
Exemptions Based on Nationality
While the majority of the squad faced the standard visa application process, certain members were exempt due to their foreign citizenship. The Head Coach and the Fitness Coach, both holders of international passports, did not require visas for entry into Thailand. Similarly, footballer Anika, who holds a Swedish passport, was unaffected by the administrative delays and travelled with the initial group.
Itinerary and Strategic Objectives
The residency camp in Thailand is scheduled to run until 21 May. During this period, the BFF has arranged for the team to play two friendly practice matches against local opposition to test tactical formations and match fitness.
Following the conclusion of the Thai camp, the squad will travel directly to Goa, India, which is the designated host city for the SAFF Women’s Championship.
| Category | Details |
| Destination | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Total Contingent Size | 32 Members |
| Current Departures | 23 Members |
| Members Awaiting Visas | 9 Members |
| Camp Duration | Until 21 May |
| Planned Matches | 2 Friendly Games |
| Final Tournament Location | Goa, India |
The Pursuit of a Hat-trick Title
Bangladesh enters the upcoming tournament as the two-time undefeated defending champions. Having secured the trophy in the previous two editions, the team is now targeting a historic third consecutive title.
To facilitate this “hat-trick” ambition, the BFF has prioritised high-performance training environments outside of Bangladesh. By selecting Thailand for the pre-tournament camp, the federation aims to provide the players with access to superior facilities and competitive matches, ensuring the squad is optimally prepared for the rigorous competition awaiting them in India.