Horrific Behavior toward Female Football Players Not to Be Tolerated

The latest attack on four female football players in Khulna is just despicable. To say that this is unsatisfactory would be a serious understatement, and it illustrates the malaise that pervades our society despite any economic gains our country may be making.

It is particularly depressing to read that Sadia Nasrin, an under-17 football player, has been the target of ongoing abuse for some time now just because she plays the sport.

Such antiquated mentality has no place in any society, much less one that aims to evolve into a developed country over the next two decades. It suffices to remark that many people in our society still need to improve in terms of attitude and openness.

While we appreciate the support these sportsmen have gotten in the aftermath of the attack, a severe problem like this cannot be ignored and calls for immediate action.

Prioritizing the task of finding everyone who was involved in the assault must come first. Then, it's important to make sure they don't get off easy and are held accountable to the maximum extent of the law.

More needs to be done by the relevant authorities to not only normalize and encourage the idea of women in sports but also to send a strong message that any potential harassment and obstacles to the wellbeing of women athletes shall not be tolerated in order to achieve the long-term change in mentality that is needed.

A nation cannot be only judged on its economic achievements. More women should participate in sports, the arts, and other creative activities. This should be a top focus for Bangladesh. In order to prevent women in Bangladesh from being constrained by anxiety and archaic social norms, we must make the country safer.