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ATTACKS and clashes over women’s football matches in Jaipurhat and Dinajpur are worrying as they hinder women’s equal participation in public life. While four were injured in a clash over a women’s football match at Hakimpur in Dinajpur, another women’s football match was called off after some local people and madrassah students vandalised the venue at Akkelpur in Jaipurhat on January 28, centring on objection to women’s participation in sports. No case has so far been filed until January 29 evening. A number of civil society organisations have condemned the attack and demanded punishment of the people involved in the attacks. The chief adviser’s office on January 30 issued a statement, expressing concern about women having been prevented from taking part in recreational activities. The statement of concern and condemnation is, however, not enough. The government should take legal action against the attackers. A more proactive approach is needed given the effort of right-wing groups for public mobilisation against women’s participation in public sphere.

While it is important to take early legal action against the attackers and ensure security for the girls and sport organisers, what is equally important is to address the socio-political forces that are opposing women’s equal participation in all public spheres, including sports. It is disappointing given that the coach and mentors of the girl footballers have talked about a long-standing local opposition to girls’ playing football. And social opposition to women’s participation in sports is not specific to the current political environment. A similar attack was reported in the recent past. In July 2023, a group of people attacked at least four girls, all members of the Under-17 Khulna divisional football team, for their ‘unwomanly conduct’ in wearing shorts and playing football at Batiaghata. This is disappointing because women players are making their mark in national and international tournaments. The 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship is a glaring example of Bangladesh’s success. It is, therefore, not enough to rhetorically celebrate women’s success and be unwilling to support their everyday struggle. A policy-level gender inequality in resource allocation for women and men’s cricket and football teams speaks volumes about this.

It is unacceptable that women in this day and age are prevented from playing football or assaulted for wearing sports gear. The government should, therefore, ensure an expeditious investigation and trial of the attacks and send out a signal that women’s freedom of movement and participation in public life will not be compromised under any circumstances. It should also address the patriarchal bias in sports-related policies and allocate enough resources for women to thrive in the sports world.