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Bangladesh national women’s team coach Peter Butler made three changes as he announced the 23-member squad for the group stage campaign of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers to be held at the Thuwunna Stadium in Myanmar from June 29 to July 5.

The two goalkeepers, Swarna Rani Mandal and Mile Akter replaced Meghla Rani Roy and Fardosi Akter Shonale, while defender Nilufa Yasmin Nila was recalled in place of Shanti Mardi.

Meghla, Fardosi, and Shanti were part of the team during Bangladesh’s goalless draw against Indonesia and their 2-2 draw against hosts Jordan in the tri-nation friendly in Amman on May 31 and June 4, respectively.

Those draws against higher-ranked teams in Amman boosted Butler’s team mentality ahead of their qualification battles, as only the group champions will advance to the final tournament, scheduled to take place in Australia from March 1 to 21, 2026.

Bangladesh, currently ranked 128th in FIFA’s rankings, will start their Group C campaign against Bahrain (92nd) on June 29, followed by a match against strong Myanmar (55th) on July 2, and then against Turkmenistan (141st) on July 5.

Butler remained optimistic about their chances in the qualifiers, stating that he selected the best available players in the squad, who are scheduled to depart for Myanmar early Wednesday.

‘When you’re coming up against teams who are higher-ranked and better, what you have to remember is that we’ve improved immensely…Yeah, we’ve shown it against Indonesia and Jordan,’ said Butler at the pre-tour press conference at the BFF House on Tuesday.

‘But that’s history. Now we’ve got to move on and develop a plan… Our playing style has become more defined in terms of how we want to play the game…I think we’ve got a new forward line. I encourage them to press high. I’ve selected players who I believe can execute my vision with energy, enthusiasm, and passion,’ said the English coach.

‘You need versatility in football. And if you’re not versatile, you’re going to really struggle, especially in the modern day game because the game has changed and the game is constantly evolving,’ added the coach.

Defender Afeida Khandakar set the target to play at the final stage, ’Obviously, we can dream to play the final stage of the tournament…After the Jordan tour, we gained confidence that we can play better against stronger teams. That experience will help us in Myanmar,’ said Afeida. 

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Rupna Chakma, Swarna Rani Mandal, Mile Akter; Defenders: Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr, Afeida Khandakar, Joynob Bibi Rita, Nilufa Yasmin Nila; Midfielders: Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Munki Akhter, Sapna Rani, Kohati Kisku, Halima Akther;  Forwards: Ritu Porna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar Jr, Sagorika, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Sultana, Nabiran Khatun, Umehla Marma.