In yet another incident that raises serious concerns about women’s safety and freedom of speech in Bangladesh, national football team player Matsushima Sumaiya has made shocking allegations. Through a Facebook post, she revealed that she has been receiving continuous threats of rape and murder over the past few days. This disturbing revelation has prompted the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to take a stance, as they have promised to identify and take strict action against the culprits. However, the pressing question remains: why has Sumaiya become a target of such threats?
The Root of the Controversy
The controversy stems from a recent protest against Bangladesh women’s national football team head coach Peter Butler. Eighteen footballers, including Matsushima Sumaiya, expressed their dissatisfaction with Butler’s coaching style and alleged psychological abuse. These players sent a letter to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), declaring that they would refuse to participate in training camps or matches as long as Butler remained in charge. If necessary, they even considered collective resignation from the national team. This firm stance created division among stakeholders in the football community.
However, the situation took a darker turn when 23-year-old Sumaiya made a distressing post on social media, claiming that she had been subjected to severe threats following her involvement in the protest.
A Cry for Justice
In her Facebook post, Matsushima Sumaiya expressed deep disappointment and frustration, stating:
“When I chose football, my dream was to inspire young girls whose parents emphasize only academics. I wanted to prove that passion and determination can break barriers. But now, I regret that I sacrificed my education, my family, and my Eid celebrations for a country that does not even appreciate our struggle.”
Her post also revealed the extent of the threats she had been receiving:
“I fought with my parents to play football, believing that my country would stand by me. But the reality is completely different. No one truly cares about an athlete’s mental health. Over the past few days, I have received multiple death and rape threats. The language used in these threats has left me mentally devastated.”
BFF’s Response and the Investigation
Following Matsushima Sumaiya’s alarming claims, the Bangladesh Football Federation issued a statement condemning the threats against her. Their official statement read:
“The Bangladesh Football Federation strongly condemns the threats and harassment directed at national women’s football team player Matsushima Sumaiya. The federation will take necessary action against the perpetrators and has urged the concerned authorities to take immediate and appropriate measures.”
Despite this official response, there remains widespread skepticism regarding the effectiveness of these measures. Many believe that the BFF’s statement is merely an attempt to pacify public outrage rather than ensure real justice for Sumaiya.
The Backlash Against Peter Butler’s Reappointment
The controversy does not end with Sumaiya’s threats. The root of the crisis lies in the reappointment of Peter Butler as the head coach of the women’s national football team. The decision sparked a revolt among players, with 18 athletes officially voicing their opposition to Butler’s leadership. They asserted that they would not participate in national team activities under his supervision and, if necessary, would retire collectively.
In their protest letter, players including team captains Sabina, Masura, and Sanjida detailed allegations against Butler, accusing him of creating a toxic environment. They insisted that their demands be taken seriously by BFF.
Sumaiya: The Scapegoat of the Protest?
The BFF’s investigation into the protest led them to question the 18 dissenting players about who authored the letter. The unanimous response pointed to Matsushima Sumaiya, who admitted in front of the committee that she had written it. This revelation seemingly made her a direct target for those opposing the protest.
What followed was a nightmare for Sumaiya. Shortly after her involvement was exposed, she began receiving a barrage of threats that severely impacted her mental well-being. In her Facebook post, she shared:
“I do not know how long it will take for me to recover from this mental trauma. But I do know one thing: no one else should have to go through this just for following their dreams.”
Police Complaint and Legal Action
As the threats escalated, Matsushima Sumaiya decided to take legal action. On Wednesday afternoon, she filed a General Diary (GD) at the Motijheel Police Station in Dhaka. She was accompanied by BFF’s media manager, Khalid Mahmud Naumi, during the filing. This step highlights the severity of the threats and the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.
A Team Divided: The Exclusion of Rebel Players
As the controversy unfolded, head coach Peter Butler announced a 23-member squad for the United Arab Emirates tour. Notably, none of the players who protested against him were included in the selection. Among those excluded were key players who played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s victory at the SAFF Women’s Championship last year.
Butler defended his squad selection by emphasizing the need for patience with the new, younger team. He stated:
“This is a young squad. Some players are experienced, while others are new. They will make mistakes, but they will learn. My priority is to ensure they develop the right mindset, show respect, and perform in a way that does justice to representing Bangladesh.”
A Larger Crisis: Women’s Safety and Freedom of Speech in Bangladesh
The threats against Matsushima Sumaiya highlight the ongoing struggle for women’s safety and freedom of expression in Bangladesh. While this case is centered on sports, the implications are far-reaching. It exposes how dissenting voices, especially those of women, are met with hostility and violence in the country. If a national football player is not safe from such threats, what does this mean for women across Bangladesh who dare to speak up?
This incident calls for urgent action from both law enforcement agencies and civil society. Women in Bangladesh continue to face harassment, violence, and societal suppression when they challenge authority or speak out against injustice. Until concrete measures are taken to protect individuals like Matsushima Sumaiya, these patterns of intimidation will persist.
The football community, human rights organizations, and international watchdogs must now turn their attention to Bangladesh, ensuring that Sumaiya’s case is not just another story of threats and intimidation that fades into obscurity. Accountability, justice, and real systemic change are needed to safeguard not just female athletes but every woman in Bangladesh who dares to raise her voice.
Date: 20 February, 2025
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