However, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is now considering upgrading the project to a full-fledged stadium, Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque has confirmed.
Since taking office, the government has been working to strengthen the country’s sports sector. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has also introduced sports allowances to bring national-level athletes under a government-supported payment structure.
One of the biggest challenges facing sports in Bangladesh is the shortage of playing fields. To address the issue, the government has launched an initiative to establish a mini stadium in every upazila.
Construction work is currently underway in 201 upazilas under the first phase of the project, with several facilities already completed. The ministry is also working to acquire land for the remaining projects.
As part of the mini stadium initiative, Aminul recently visited South Surma and inspected three potential sites for the proposed stadium.
Speaking about the project, Aminul said: “Three potential sites have already been inspected for the construction of a stadium in South Surma. The location that is most convenient for the local people will be selected. We will choose a site where spectators can easily come and enjoy matches from the galleries, while also ensuring the necessary facilities for the players.”
The initial plan was to build a mini stadium in South Surma, but the authorities are now considering constructing a full-fledged stadium instead. If the plan goes ahead, Sylhet would get another full-fledged stadium alongside the existing Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The proposed stadium may require around five to six acres of land. To reduce the financial burden on the government, authorities are exploring the possibility of using government-owned khas land.
“The plan is not just to build a mini stadium in South Surma, but rather a full-fledged stadium. Around five to six acres of land will be required to construct such a stadium. Therefore, reducing the government’s expenditure is also being given serious consideration. We are trying to identify government khas land where the stadium can be built. This would help reduce the government’s additional costs” Aminul added.
