Now, playing football is becoming dangerous for girls in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. Islamists attacked and badly beat young girls for playing football. The incident has been reported from Tentultala village under Botiaghata Union of Khulna district.
As per the received information, Mangali Bagchi and Sadiya Nasrin and their friends were practising on the village ground. They were being prepared in the “Supet Queen Academy” for the upcoming Under-17 League Tournament. Amid continuous threats from Islamists, they were going on with their practice.
On Saturday, Nur Alam, Nupur Alam, Roji Begum and Salahuddin attacked them. Islamists tied Mangali’s hands and legs to a tree and beat them badly with sticks.
Mangali said, “They objected as we were practising football wearing half pants. They threatened us and scolded us using bad words.”
Mangali said, “Earlier they clicked photos while we were practising and told our parents not to send us to the football ground. Our families didn’t care about those words and we continued to practice.”
Apart from Mangali, Puja Mondal, and Sadiya Nasrin were also injured, but they were released after primary treatment. But, Mangali is rounded badly in the attack. Manali is now undergoing treatment at Upazila Health Complex.
A local Hindu teacher named Debashis Mondal established the football academy in the village. Amid continuous threats from Islamists, mainly Hindu girls used to come and practice football on the ground. But, they never dreamt of such an attack from Islamists.
A complaint has been filed at Botiaghata Police Station. Police arrested Salahuddin and have been searching for others accused.