The Advisory Council on Thursday addressed the issue of pay equality between male and female footballers and cricketers.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that the advisers agreed to engage in discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to resolve the existing disparities.
During a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy, Shafiqul highlighted the council’s acknowledgment and praise for the women footballers, particularly commending the goal scorers, including standout players from the Chakma community.
“We want a quick resolution on pay adjustments for our female athletes,” he stated, adding that an announcement on this matter would be forthcoming.
The discussion follows the Bangladesh women’s football team’s impressive 2-1 victory over Nepal at Kathmandu’s Dasharath Rangshala Football Stadium, further solidifying their prominence in the sport. Under the leadership of captain Sabina Khatun, the team has secured back-to-back SAFF titles and played a vital role in Bangladesh’s recent football successes.
However, these achievements are overshadowed by longstanding issues of pay disparity and overdue salaries for female athletes, with reports indicating that payments have been delayed by two months.
In contrast, female footballers do not enjoy the same benefits and compensation available to their male counterparts in cricket.