Chattogram, a city renowned for its passion for sports, is home to the iconic MA Aziz Stadium, located in Kazir Dewri. For years, this historic stadium has served as the epicenter of various sports, including cricket, football, hockey, kabaddi, and handball. However, a recent decision regarding the stadium has sparked deep concern in the Chattogram sports community.
The National Sports Council (NSC) has announced that the MA Aziz Stadium will be allocated to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) for 25 years. This decision has been met with shock and disappointment. Initially, the allocation was said to be for 10 years, which had already triggered discussions among sports organizers and stakeholders. However, extending it to 25 years has further complicated the situation.
According to BFF, FIFA’s investment regulations require a venue to be allocated for more than 20 years for financial support. Based on this, BFF requested a 25-year allocation, which has now been approved. Unfortunately, this decision casts uncertainty over the future of 32 other events that take place at the stadium.
Chattogram currently has only two international-standard stadiums—the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium and the MA Aziz Stadium. Since 2004, no international cricket matches have been held at MA Aziz, but it remains a vital venue for local leagues, age-group tournaments, and various other events. The allocation of the stadium for a single event has therefore raised widespread concerns.
Meanwhile, other venues like the Women’s Sports Complex or the Outer Stadium are not yet equipped to host other events perfectly. Additionally, the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium is frequently occupied with national and international cricket series. As a result, the remaining events in Chattogram are likely to face a severe shortage of proper venues in the future.
Adding to the challenge, the committee of the Chattogram District Sports Association (CJKS) was dissolved on August 5, and a new ad-hoc committee has yet to be formed. This has prevented direct discussions among stakeholders to address the crisis.
This decision is not only a blow to the sports community but also a significant setback for the sports culture of Chattogram. The lack of sufficient venues could hinder the growth and development of various sporting events in the region. Therefore, coordinated and strategic measures are urgently needed to resolve this issue.
In conclusion, MA Aziz Stadium is more than just a field; it is a symbol of Chattogram’s rich sporting heritage. Preserving this legacy and ensuring a balanced solution for all types of sports events is now a pressing necessity.
