Sylhet District Stadium Allocation Raises Questions Over the Survival of Local Sports

The allocation of Sylhet District Stadium exclusively to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has created concerns for cricket, hockey, and other sports. Without alternative arrangements, the future of Sylhet’s sports community could become uncertain.

Recently, the National Sports Council (NSC) decided to allocate Sylhet District Stadium to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) for the next 25 years. On paper, this may appear to be an administrative decision, but in reality, it has become a serious concern for the sports community in Sylhet.

Sylhet District Stadium is not just a football ground; it is the hub of almost all sports activities in the district and division, including hockey, cricket, school cricket, and various age-group tournaments. Since independence, the ground has been open for everyone. Football, cricket, hockey, and other sports have all been organized there by sharing the facility. This coexistence has helped sustain Sylhet’s sporting culture.

However, in the past, when the ground was allocated solely for football, cricket and other sports remained stagnant for a long time. Local sports organizers had to struggle to arrange alternative venues. The repetition of that mistake now appears imminent, which could have a severe impact on the local sports scene.

Former cricketer Mostafa Kamal Pasha Mowdud said, “Sylhet District Sports Association does not have any alternative ground under its control. If cricket is obstructed today, other sports will face similar discrimination in the future.” Local cricket coach Nasir Boks added, “If there is no ground, neither you nor I will exist in this field. Our identity is tied to this district ground. Cricket, football, hockey—every sport must survive together.”

The BFF can construct new grounds if it wishes, but allocating Sylhet District Stadium exclusively to football cannot justify jeopardizing the future of other sports. Sylhet is already lagging behind at the national level due to the lack of quality grounds and wickets. If this decision is implemented, cricket, hockey, and other sports will be severely affected.

Sports in Sylhet do not belong to a single game; they represent the cultural and social identity of the entire region. Considering the importance, history, and multi-purpose use of this ground, the relevant authorities should immediately reconsider the decision. Ensuring alternative fields and infrastructure to protect local sports is now a pressing need.

To safeguard Sylhet’s sporting future, sports organizers, athletes, and general sports enthusiasts must unite and raise their voices. Otherwise, the exclusive allocation could cause long-term damage to Sylhet’s sports community.