Bangladesh women's football team are set to depart for Bhutan on July 22 to participate in two FIFA friendly matches against the hosts as part of their preparation for October's SAFF Women's Championship in Nepal.

English coach Peter James Butler has announced a 22-member squad for the matches on July 24 and 27. While some experienced players were excluded -- such as Tahura Khatun, Surma Jannat, Shaheda Akter Ripa, and Shamsunnahar Ripa due to their ongoing HSC examinations -- new players like Halima Akhter, Bonna Akhter, Mst Sagorika, and Mst Sultana made the cut.

"Certainly, it would have been better to play against stronger opponents, but that's not the case. However, Bhutan have been improving rapidly; they recently lost 1-0 to Lebanon in a friendly match," said captain Sabina Khutun, emphasising that these two matches against Bhutan will be beneficial preparation for the SAFF Championship.

Coach Butler believes this is a good opportunity for the new players to prove themselves in competitive matches with the Bhutan fixtures.

Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, a member of the Bangladesh Football Federation and head of the women's committee, stated that they will arrange more friendly matches before the main event.