Built for sports, used for markets

In the heart of Bhuapur Upazila, Tangail, the Sheikh Russel Mini Stadium stands as a silent monument to unfulfilled promises.

Built with hope and public money at a cost of 41 lakh taka, the stadium was meant to inspire the youth of the area and nurture the dreams of aspiring athletes.

Instead, in its derelict state, it has become perhaps the best example of why the new State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, pledged to focus on open playgrounds rather than closed-door infrastructures to create a new sports environment for tomorrow’s Bangladesh.

The stadium construction tender was held in 2017, and two joint venture companies -- Akhtar Enterprise and Four Sight Company, a Dhaka-based contractor -- were awarded the project.

Even before completion in 2019, cracks appeared in the pavilion building, raising concerns about construction quality. Despite these issues, the stadium was handed over to authorities, yet it has remained largely unused.

Sports enthusiasts allege that not a single day of sports has been held there in almost six years. Instead, the stadium witnesses a different scene every Saturday.

A bustling market fills the grounds, where cows, goats, and furniture are bought and sold. The field that was supposed to shape athletes now hosts cattle trading.

During a recent visit, a disheartening picture emerged. The playing field was riddled with potholes. Gallery benches were buried under dirt and weeds. Rain had eroded the soil and damaged the palisades.

Cows and goats roamed freely, and waste lay scattered, robbing the stadium of its beauty. The building’s lining was falling off, the public toilet was in disrepair, and even the goalposts stood broken and neglected.

Local footballer and college student Saiful Islam said: “There is a stadium near our house, but we have not been able to use it. We want to practice football, but the field is full of potholes.”

Former player and sports organiser Aktaruzzaman Khan added: “I tried to hold tournaments here, but local influential figures barred me. Now drug sellers and addicts use the stadium at night, and the local administration seems unaware.”

Well-known player Tanjinur Rahman Islam questioned why such a large amount of public money was spent if the facility would not serve its purpose.

Former General Secretary of the Upazila Sports Association, Md. Ratan, echoed these concerns. Since the construction of the stadium next to Shialkol Hat, he said, there have been repeated complaints about irregularities, and despite informing authorities multiple times, no effective action has been taken.

The residents believe that if swift steps are taken to convert the mini stadium into a vibrant sports centre, it could play a vital role in steering local youth away from mobile phones, drugs, and crime.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mahbub Hasan stated that he will discuss the matter with concerned officials and take necessary measures.

The National Sports Council has built sports structures across the country, recognising the importance of infrastructure and modern facilities to compete internationally. Yet, what is the value of concrete structures without proper utilisation?

Many stadiums host only a few national programs each year and remain unused the rest of the time -- soulless bodies without activity.