DS Sourav
The government is going to construct six stadiums in Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Chattorgram, Cumilla and Khulna. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, before the December 30 general elections, had made a commitment that if she came to power, her government would set up a mini stadium in each upazila across the country.
The government has taken initial initiative to set up a stadium at Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj district, Louhajang and Tongibari upazilas of Munshiganj district, Mirsharai upazila of Chattogram district and Koyra upazila of Khulna district at a cost of Tk 119.78 core. Ministry of Youth and Sports is taking up a project named ‘stadium in six upazilas'.
These stadiums will be built to inspire local sports organizations and national competitions. Meanwhile, the Planning Commission has asked for five acres of land in all upazilas and construction of stadiums with a common design. According to the commission's request, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has said that at least six acres of land is needed to play football and cricket on the same ground. C
Considering this, six acres of land has been provided for the stadiums covered under the project. Besides, each stadium will be built under a common plan.
Several official sources of the Planning Commission confirmed that after receiving the proposal from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the project evaluation committee (PEC) meeting was held on September 10, 2018. In order to set the decision, the approval of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting has been recommended.
They said that the project has been included in the new project list not approved for the revised Annual Development Program in the year 2018-19. Although the feasibility of the project is not done yet. However, the National Sports Council engineers visited the proposed places of the project and prepared the report. Development Project Proposal (DPP) has been created on basis of their observation.
Ministry of Youth and Sports said, it is possible to achieve the physical, mental and moral excellence of young people and people of the country through exercise and sports. The contribution of sports to discipline, good health, leadership and character in the national life is immense. Especially for the youth of the country who are interested in sports activities, creating livelihood and cheerful entertainment opportunities, play a role in creating mutual harmony and cosmopolitan environment. It is essential to have sports infrastructure and sports facilities for sports development.
Despite limitations of resources, the government taking up and implementing various development projects for creating, expanding and developing sports facilities in the country. In recent times, local players from Sonargaon of Narayanganj, Louhajang and Tongibari of Munshiganj, Mirsharai of Chattogram, Titas of Cumilla and Koyra upazila of Khulna, almost every year participate in various events at the national level. There are no stadiums in these upazilas.
Land acquisition, soil filling, pavilion building construction, public toilets, boundary walls, general gallery, walkways, approach roads and drain constructions, are the main components of the project. Abul Kalam Azad, acting member of Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division, of the project, said, "If the project is successfully implemented, it will help to create skilled players for local and national level sports competitions."
