Barishal City Corporation (BCC) has proposed building 16 futsal grounds at an estimated cost of Tk50 crore to address a shortage of playgrounds and create more opportunities for children and young people to participate in sports.
The corporation has finalised a list of 16 sites and submitted a project proposal to the Local Government Ministry following instructions from the Sports Ministry.
The proposed facilities will include natural grass, surface levelling, drainage, LED floodlights, modern washrooms and galleries, making them suitable for daytime and night-time games.
The initiative comes as several traditional playgrounds in Barishal have fallen into disrepair or become unavailable for regular sports activities, limiting opportunities for young people to play and train.
Paresh Sagor Field in Alekanda and the BM School playground are among the city’s once-popular sports venues that have deteriorated over the years.
Young players have welcomed the initiative, saying properly maintained grounds could help restore sporting activities and keep children away from excessive mobile phone use and drugs.
Rakib Hasan, a young player, said Paresh Sagor Field once hosted thousands of cricket and football players and other sporting events but had deteriorated over the years, with fairs also being held there.
He said proper maintenance of the proposed grounds could restore the city’s sporting environment.
Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin said the initial plan covered all 30 wards, but the first phase would focus on 16 small futsal grounds. The corporation also plans larger playgrounds in newly expanded areas.
She said a ground would be developed near the river for disadvantaged children and children with disabilities.
“We have submitted the project proposal for 16 grounds and hope it will be implemented soon,” she said, adding that the government planned to develop playgrounds across city corporation areas.
BCC Property Branch officer Md Shakil Ahmed said the project would provide facilities for students, members of the public and disadvantaged children, including lighting, drainage and security arrangements.
District Sports Officer Saidul Islam said playgrounds were essential for producing talented athletes and welcomed the initiative, noting that several members of Bangladesh’s national teams had emerged through age-group competitions.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said the government planned to build a playground in each of the country’s 4,599 unions.
Work was also under way on 201 upazila stadiums, with facilities planned for all 503 upazilas within five years.
He said futsal grounds in city corporation areas would encourage children and teenagers to take part in sports.
