While Dhaka is normally fast asleep by 3am, yesterday something extraordinary began to unfold.
It wasn't sirens or alarms waking citizens – it was a celebration.
Along the banks of Hatirjheel, where the Amphitheatre stands like a crown atop the waterbody, a group of young women stepped into the spotlight.
They were not dressed for a show, but the stage belonged to them.
They were there to be felicitated. They were players of the Bangladesh Women's National Football Team, home from Myanmar after securing a place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time in history.
A night painted in red and green
The celebrations at Hatirjheel were vibrant.
Thousands had gathered despite the hour, their voices rising with chants of "Bangladesh" as the players were called to the stage.
Rupna, Ritu, Tohura, Monika, Maria, and others stepped forward, their names met with admiration.
The applause was deafening. Wake up Bangladesh, the stars of the nation had arrived.
Billboards around the venue lit up with their images.
A giant screen played clips from their triumphant match.
Ritu's goals and Rupna's heroic saves drew fresh rounds of applause.
The president of the Bangladesh Football Federation, Tabith Awal, took the microphone, praised the players' impact, both on the pitch and in society.
He spoke about changing mindsets and writing new history; ended by saying the federation stood behind them and trusted their journey.
Bigger than the game
All eyes were on Ritu Porna Chakma, the young striker from Rangamati who had scored twice against Myanmar.
Her fame is so great, she has even been christened Bangladesh's own Lionel Messi, an homage to her skills.
On the stage, Ritu spoke of unity, of resilience, and of dreams beyond Asia.
Her message was not about asking for more, but about believing in each other.
Cultural Adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki was visibly moved.
He called Ritu the finest athlete in the country and praised her courage and composure.
Coach Peter Butler opened his speech with a warm "Assalamu Alaikum."
He highlighted the relentless work the players had put in and acknowledged that without their total commitment, this win would not have been possible.
Former men's team captain Aminul Haque also offered his admiration. He added a reminder that real progress demands structure, planning, and a professional system.
Ritu and Monika soon returned to the airport soon after the event.
They had a flight to catch. League duties in Bhutan awaited them.
There was no time to rest, no space to bask in fame. Their celebration ended where their next challenge began.
Onwards and upwards.
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