Salahuddin the mastermind behind women's football success, says Women's football wing head Mahfuza Akhter

Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, head of the Women's Football Wing of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), has hailed former BFF President Kazi Salahuddin as the "mastermind" behind the remarkable rise of women's football in the country.

Speaking at a felicitation ceremony for the Bangladesh women's football team, she credited Salahuddin's vision, dedication, and leadership for paving the way for the team's historic achievements, including their recent Saff Championship victory.

At the event, held at the BFF headquarters today, electronics manufacturer Walton gifted refrigerators to each member of the women's football team as part of the celebrations. This is one of many events organised to honour the team, which has also received financial rewards totaling nearly one crore taka for their back-to-back Saff triumphs.

However, Kazi Salahuddin, who served four consecutive terms as BFF President until October 2024, has been absent from these events since Tabith Awal assumed the role of President following the 26 October elections.

Despite his absence, Mahfuza Akhter highlighted Salahuddin's pivotal role in the development of women's football. She said, " for Bangladeshis to witness. That person is none other than the former BFF President, Kazi Salahuddin. It is his dedication, hard work, and vision that have brought us here."There's one person I must thank, without whom women's football wouldn't have reached this stage today. We wouldn't be celebrating the team, and this day wouldn't have been possible.''

Mahfuza went on to describe Salahuddin as the best football strategist in the country, adding, "If someone like Kazi Salahuddin hadn't been President of the Bangladesh Football Federation, we wouldn't have seen this day for women's football. He is the mastermind. There are many football experts in Bangladesh, but Kazi Salahuddin is the best. We are fortunate to have had someone like him as our President."

While praising Salahuddin, Mahfuza also expressed optimism about the future of women's football under the leadership of the new BFF President, Tabith Awal. She stated, "I would also like to thank our current President, Tabith Awal. He, too, has love and dedication for women's football. I trust that Tabith Awal will wholeheartedly support the women's team, and we will continue to move forward in the coming days just as we have been."

The Bangladesh women's football team has been receiving recognition and awards from various organisations and individuals following their Saff Championship success. With new leadership at the helm and a legacy built under Salahuddin's guidance, the team continues to inspire hope for even greater achievements in the future.