Tahura, Maria, and Monika to play in Farashganj, with foreign footballers also joining

The much-anticipated Women’s Football League is set to resume in just two days, with the transfer window closing today. Farashganj Sporting Club has made a spectacular move on the final day, signing five star national women’s footballers: Tahura Khatun, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Shamsunnahar Senior, and Shamsunnahar Junior. In addition, the club has registered two foreign players, signalling their ambition for the upcoming season.

Farashganj manager Baburam confirmed the signings on Friday, stating that the club has bolstered its squad with top-tier talent. Forward Tahura Khatun also expressed excitement, confirming that fans will see her don the Farashganj jersey this season. Alongside the national stars, the club has signed several promising young players from the Under-17 and Under-20 national teams, further strengthening the squad depth.

In a striking move, Farashganj has signed two Nepalese national women’s team players: defender Puja Rana and midfielder Sabita Rana Magar. Additionally, Sejutiki, a futsal goalkeeper, has been recruited to guard the posts, highlighting the club’s tactical versatility.

The coaching structure has also been reinforced, with Kamal Ahmed Babu serving as coaching advisor and Abu Faisal appointed as head coach. The club has finalised a 35-member squad, and Baburam expressed satisfaction with the team composition, saying, “We are pleased with the squad we have assembled. We hope to fight hard and reach the finals.”

Meanwhile, rivals Rajshahi Stars have strengthened their lineup with Afeeda Khandakar, Rituporna Chakma, and Shiuli Azim, while Police Club has secured the services of Under-20 national team stars Mosammat Sagarika, Kohati Kisku, Surma Jannat, and Airin Akter.

The Women’s Football League was last held in mid-2024, with Nasrin Sports Academy emerging as champions. After a one-and-a-half-year hiatus, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has hastily organised this edition to prepare the senior women’s team for the Asian Cup in Australia next March, and the Under-20 team for the tournament in Thailand next April. Players like Mosammat Sagarika and Munki Akter are expected to play in both competitions.

All matches for this year’s league, featuring 11 teams, will be held at the Bir Sreshtho Shahid Sipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur.

Key Farashganj Signings: