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Ritu Porna Chakma expressed her overwhelming joy and profound sense of honour after being named one of the recipients of this year's prestigious Rokeya Padak. Speaking to The Daily Star, the poster girl of Bangladesh women's football said the recognition stood among the most significant achievements of her career.
Ritu Porna, who played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's successful defence of the SAFF Women's Championship title in 2024 and later helped the team qualify for the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time in 2025, has been selected in the Women's Awakening (Sports) category. The government on Sunday announced four laureates for the 2025 edition of the award, which honours women for their groundbreaking contributions across various fields.
"Any award or recognition is a big achievement for me, and it inspires me a lot," Ritu Porna said. "Since this is the first time a footballer is receiving the Rokeya Padak, it feels like a huge achievement. I'm very, very happy."
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus handed over the awards to four women in recognition of their contributions to women's education and rights, human rights, and women's empowerment at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka this morning [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 Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women's National Football Team, was awarded in the women's awakening (sports) category.
Named after Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain — a trailblazer of women's education and equality -- the award is presented every December 9 to mark Begum Rokeya Day.
Ritu Porna said she was particularly excited about receiving the honour directly from the Chief Adviser. "I'm extremely excited," she said. "This is a state award, so it feels especially meaningful."
Given the societal taboo and the struggles women's footballers face in the country, Ritu Porna's journey has been nothing short of spectacular. She stressed that the recognition extends far beyond her personal accomplishment. "This award is not just mine -- it is an inspiration for all women in Bangladesh and will have a positive impact on the next generation."
Reflecting on the challenges athletes face, she added, "In life, everyone encounters obstacles -- boys and girls alike. We must all overcome these hurdles and keep moving forward."
Currently in camp at the BFF ahead of the upcoming Women's Football League, the left-winger from Rangamati hopes to continue using her growing platform for broader impact. "I'm representing Unicef, and if I get more opportunities in the future, I will take them."
As the youngest recipient of the award, Ritu Porna joins an esteemed group of women whose contributions continue to shape Bangladesh's progress and inspire generations to come.
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