Rituporna receives prestigious Rokeya Padak

Dhaka, 9 Dec- Bangladesh national women’s football team star footballer Rituporna Chakma has been awarded the prestigious state honor 'Begum Rokeya Padak 2025'.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus handed over the ‘Begum Rokeya Padak’ to four distinguished women in recognition of their special contributions to women's education, women's rights, human rights and women's awakening at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital Tuesday.

Rubhana Raqib, a physician, received the award in the category of women's education (research), while labour leader Kalpona Akter was honoured in the women's rights (labour) category.

Human rights activist Nabila Idris received the award in the human rights category and Rituporna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh women's national football team, was awarded in the women's awakening (sports) category. 

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organized the day with various events marking the 145th birth and 93rd death anniversary of Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain, a pioneer of women's education and rights movement. 

Earlier, the Bangladesh national women's football team has received several awards as part of the team. This year, the Bangladesh team that won the SAFF was awarded the ‘Ekushey Padak.’ But Rituparna is very happy to receive this individual honor.

Rituporna, who hailed from Rangamati district, in her immediate reaction to the pressmen said: “Every award has an honor and a glory. This year we received ‘Ekushey Padak’ which is very honorable and it came as part of the team. This time I personally received the Rokeya Padak, so this government award is special to me.”

"Every award is matter of pride and respect for me. It gives me a lot of encouragement. This is the first time a footballer has received the Rokeya Padak, so it feels like a huge achievement to me. I am very much happy,” added excited Rituporna. 

Every player fights for the country. All players come out with hard work. After receiving such a medal in the name of such a person, my responsibility towards the country and society has increased even more. Inspired by this medal, I’ll try to give something more to the country and society, she said further.

Rituparna has been playing for the national team since 2021. She has scored thirteen goals in thirty three matches for Bangladesh. She was named the best player of the tournament in the 2024 SAFF Championship. Bangladesh has won the title twice in the Women's SAFF Championship. 

The women's team will participate in the main stage of the Asian Cup for the first time in Australia next year. The contribution of the women's team behind these successes is undeniable.

The government presents the Begum Rokeya Padak every year. Last year, legendary chess player Rani Hamid received the honour and this year it went to Rituporna.BSS