A landmark sporting dream takes shape in Trishal Muhammad Mahtabuddin, from Trishal, Mymensingh On Sunday, a landmark chapter in Bangladesh's sporting journey was formally inaugurated as the foundation stone of the proposed Bangladesh Olympic Complex was laid in Trishal, Mymensingh, by the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh and President of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), General Waker-Uz-Zaman, OSP, SGP, psc.
With the laying of the foundation stone, Bangladesh's sports arena stands at the threshold of a new era. Initiated by the Bangladesh Olympic Association, this project, once completed, will be the largest sports complex in the country, spanning approximately 173.59 acres.
Situated about 95 kilometres north of Dhaka, the complex is planned to be developed into a full-fledged Olympic Village in the future, positioning Trishal as a strategic hub capable of hosting major national and international sporting events.
At present, the country's largest sports facility is the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) at Jirani, Savar, which covers around 115 acres and was established on 14 April 1986, long regarded as the cradle of Bangladesh sport.
The proposed Olympic Complex is being developed within the river-embraced military training area of Trishal, bordered by the Banar and Nageshwari rivers. Spread across 173.59 acres, the project will comprise a total of 11 sports facilities, including nine stadiums, six state-of-the-art outdoor stadiums and three indoor stadiums. Once fully operational, the complex will accommodate 33 sporting disciplines.
The estimated project cost has been
projected at Tk 35,000-40,000 crore, making it the most ambitious sports infrastructure venture in the nation's history.
The aesthetically designed and large-scale project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Army's renowned 24 Engineer Construction Brigade (24 ECB). The architectural design has been prepared by Vitti Sthapati Brindo Limited, a local firm, while DLA Plus Limited (USA) is serving as the international consultant.
Speaking as the chief guest at the foundation-laying ceremony, General Waker-Uz-Zaman said, "We have been talking about building an Olympic Village in Bangladesh for a long time. For various reasons, it was not possible earlier. When we reviewed the situation, we saw that Trishal already has an Army Sports School. If we establish the sports village here, it will benefit national sport, and the Army will also be able to supervise and maintain such a vast facility."
He added, "Maintenance of infrastructure is a major challenge. From that perspective, we realised there was no need to acquire land from others as we already have sufficient land here. We will develop it and transform it into an Olympic Village.
National-level events will be organised here, and international competitions can also be hosted."
The Army Chief also noted that the existing Army Physical Training School in the area would continue to operate alongside the Olympic Complex, under a mutual understanding and joint management framework between the Bangladesh Army and the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA).
"... National and international competitions will be prioritised here. At other times, members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or civilian athletes will be able to use the facilities for training. This complex will remain open to all, and its maintenance will be overseen by the Sports School."
Addressing the issue of financing, he said that the project requires substantial funding, "The Bangladesh Army is continuing the work. Funds have been allocated from the Olympic Association, and financial support has been sought from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. We have already purchased some land as well. The 24 ECB is doing excellent work here."
He expressed confidence that necessary funding could be arranged with the cooperation of the Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, while also appealing to affluent members of society for support.
"This project can only be realised through a combined effort of the public and private sectors," he said.
Highlighting the moral value of sport, the Army Chief concluded, "From my experience, I have never seen an athlete engage in illegal or unethical activities. To ensure a healthy nation, everyone must come forward to support the development of sport."
BOA Secretary General Zobaidur Rahman Rana stated, "In the first phase, construction of accommodation facilities, internal roads and an indoor stadium is planned at an estimated cost of around Tk 2,000 crore. This indoor venue alone will be capable of hosting competitions in 17 disciplines
simultaneously."
Also present at the ceremony were Mahbub-ul-Alam, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, senior officials of the 24 Engineer Construction Brigade (ECB), the Bangladesh Army, and the Bangladesh Olympic Association.
