At long last, Jashore’s historic Shams-ul-Huda Stadium is set for a new lease of life.
The Finance Division has given administrative and financial approval for spending up to Tk34.45 crore on the overall development project proposed by the National Sports Council (NSC). The allocation has raised fresh hopes in Jashore’s sporting community after decades of neglect.
A letter from the Planning-1 branch of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the NSC stated that the project titled ‘Development of Jashore District Shams-ul-Huda Stadium’ must be completed within the approved budget of Tk34.45 crore.
The letter also instructed the submission of a revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) for approval in line with procedures set by the Planning Division and relevant financial regulations.
According to the Jashore District Sports Association, the foundation stone of the stadium was laid on 15 January 1959, nearly 67 years ago. Since then, athletes and sports organisers have continued to dream of a modern sporting venue, but that aspiration has remained unfulfilled. Instead, the stadium’s deteriorating condition stands as a reminder of years of neglect and inadequate maintenance.
The stadium complex covers 6.95 acres, including 5.91 acres of the main playing field. However, during the monsoon, large parts of the ground remain submerged for extended periods, with knee-high grass and weeds often making it difficult to distinguish the playing area from a waterlogged patch of land.
The problem is worsened by the field’s low-lying position, as the ground is around two to two-and-a-half feet lower than the surrounding areas. Without an effective drainage system, rainwater from nearby areas flows onto the field and remains trapped, leaving even light rainfall enough to make the ground unusable.
Vines and wild plants have spread across sections of the gallery fencing, stands and areas in front of them. Vegetation has also taken over parts of the stadium buildings and surrounding spaces. Several sections of the Amena Khatun Gallery are in a fragile condition, further highlighting years of poor maintenance.
As a result, the field remains unsuitable for sporting activities for much of the year. Despite these challenges, the venue continues to host various major and minor competitions in football, cricket, hockey and handball, including national-level events.
Local sports organisers said the ground is practically usable for only around four months a year. This makes it difficult to arrange competitions properly, with many events having to be completed under limited arrangements. Over the years, such constraints have pushed Jashore’s sporting environment behind neighbouring districts.
Jashore’s cricketers have welcomed the allocation for the stadium’s renovation. Former Bangladesh Under-19 cricketer Shahriar Sakib said the district has never lacked talented players, but inadequate facilities have remained the biggest obstacle.
“Whenever we came to Jashore from Dhaka, finding a suitable place to train was a major challenge. We never lacked talent in Jashore; we lacked facilities. The absence of quality turf, proper drainage and a modern gymnasium created several difficulties for cricketers during training. We believe these problems will finally be resolved,” he said.
Former additional general secretary of the District Sports Association MA Aksad Siddiqui Shaibal also expressed optimism about the project.
“If the stadium is renovated, sporting activities can continue throughout the year. Different tournaments can be organised regularly. This will help produce new athletes from Jashore and allow the district to regain its former sporting glory,” he said.
