Bangladesh women’s national team star Ritu Porna Chakma continues to face a harsh reality off the pitch as her mother is battling breast cancer, and the family cannot afford proper treatment.

Ritu, a key player in Bangladesh’s SAFF Championship-winning team, hails from the remote village of Mogachhari in Kaukhali upazila of Rangamati. The area is so inaccessible that one must walk 3 to 4 kilometers through steep hills from the nearest road to reach her home.

Her mother, Bhujopoti Chakma, has been bedridden for a long time due to cancer. The family struggles even to buy her regular medicines, let alone arrange better treatment.

Ritu is now the only earning member of the family. Her father, Boroj Bashi Chakma, passed away from cancer in 2015. Inspired by him, Ritu began playing football. Her only brother died from electrocution three years ago, while her three sisters are married.

Ritu’s elder sister, Pampi Chakma, said, “We cannot afford our mother’s treatment. As the family of a national footballer, we are requesting the government to stand by us.”

Currently, Ritu is studying Philosophy at the University of Dhaka, balancing both education and football in the face of economic hardship.

Ritu is pleading for help to save her mother.

Bir Sen Chakma, Ritu’s former primary school headmaster and a sports organiser, said, “The government should give her a job, take responsibility for her mother’s treatment, and rebuild her house as promised.”

MSK/