Thakurgaon’s Rangatungi United Female Football Academy, known for nurturing national-level players, is currently facing uncertainty due to objections from some locals citing religious reasons. The academy, established in 2014 in Rangatungi village near the Ranishankoil upazila headquarters, provides training to children of various ages on a part of government khas land spanning approximately 25 bighas (15.625 acres).
Apart from being used as a football ground, sections of the land are also utilized as a graveyard by locals. Recently, there have been attempts by a group of locals to disrupt the academy’s activities, claiming it is inappropriate for girls to play football near a graveyard. Members of the academy expressed concerns over these actions, with incidents such as the attempted removal of goalposts causing fear among the players.
The academy’s founder, Tajul Islam, highlighted the achievements of past players who have represented the Bangladesh women’s football team and national age-level sides. To address the current crisis, Tajul proposed allocating a separate land area of around 7-8 bighas (4.4-5 acres) exclusively for the academy’s use.
In response to the situation, local authorities, including the Officer-in-Charge of Ranishankoil Police Station and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, are actively monitoring the developments and aiming to engage with both the local community and the academy to find a resolution. The goal is to ensure the continuation of the academy’s activities and provide rural girls with opportunities to hone their football skills in a secure environment.