In a historic milestone for Bangladeshi sports, the national women’s football team departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50 pm on Thursday, 19 February 2026. Bound for Australia, the squad is set to compete in the prestigious AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled to take place across three host cities from 1 March to 21 March. Among the 26-member contingent are three remarkable young women from the Nandail Upazila of Mymensingh, whose journey from impoverished rural households to the international stage has captivated the nation.
The Nandail Trio: A Profile in Resilience
Despite the vast disparity in infrastructure and experience between Bangladesh and footballing giants like China or South Korea, head coach Peter Butler expressed quiet confidence as his team embarked on this “golden chapter.” For the residents of Nandail, the pride is personal, as three of their own—Mili, Suravi, and Halima—carry the dreams of the district.
| Player Name | Position | Village / Union | Background |
| Mili Akhter | Goalkeeper | Baruigram, Chandipasha | Daughter of a banana vendor; serves in the Army. |
| Suravi Akand Prity | Midfielder | Bargharia, Jahangirpur | Daughter of a subsistence farmer; hat-trick hero. |
| Halima Akhter | Striker | Rajabaria, Sherpur | Second of three sisters; veteran of Bhutan & Dubai tours. |
Individual Triumphs Over Adversity
Mili Akhter, the squad’s second goalkeeper, hails from a family where her father, Samsul Haque, earns a modest living as a banana vendor. Her ascent began after a stellar showing in the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship, which subsequently earned her a position within the Bangladesh Army football team.
Suravi Akand Prity, the midfield engine, is the daughter of Abul Kalam Akand, a struggling farmer. Suravi first tasted glory in 2018, leading her primary school to a Bangamata Gold Cup victory. Since then, she has been a mainstay in the U-15, U-17, and U-19 national sides, notably scoring a sensational hat-trick during a youth SAFF tournament and dominating the qualifiers in Singapore in 2023.
Halima Akhter, a formidable striker, comes from a family of limited means in Sherpur Union. Following in the footsteps of her younger sister Panna, also a local footballer, Halima has already represented Bangladesh in Jordan, Bhutan, and Dubai.
The Road Ahead in Australia
The tournament represents a daunting challenge for the “Bengal Tigresses.” They find themselves in a group featuring some of the world’s most disciplined tactical sides.
3 March: Opening match against China, the nine-time Asian champions.
6 March: A high-stakes encounter with North Korea, three-time title winners.
9 March: The final group stage fixture against Uzbekistan, a seasoned Asian Cup regular.
As these three daughters of Nandail take to the pitch in Australia, they represent more than just athletic prowess; they are symbols of a changing social landscape where talent and grit can transcend the barriers of poverty.