Dhupkhola field was once one of Old Dhaka’s most vibrant sporting grounds, producing national-level athletes and drawing crowds for football, cricket and volleyball.
Today, however, the field that was promised an ambitious Tk80 crore makeover has been reduced to a patch of sand, hard soil and potholes, leaving residents questioning where the transformation went wrong.
Five years after Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) launched a major modernisation project to turn the 30,210-square-metre field into a modern sports and recreation hub, the promised green ground remains out of reach. Instead of lush grass and organised facilities, visitors now find broken fencing, uneven surfaces and multiple sports being played in the same space.
“Children cannot play properly because of the poor condition of the field. People come here because it is an open space, but there is no discipline in management,” said 70-year-old Elias Khan, a regular walker at the field.
During a recent visit, football and cricket matches were seen taking place simultaneously in different parts of the field. Several sections of the wire fencing were broken, allowing people to enter through gaps despite designated gates.
College student Tanvir Hasan said the lack of designated playing areas often creates chaos. “Some play football, while others play cricket. Since there is no fixed space, football often enters cricket games and cricket enters football games,” he said.
For young players, the condition of the field has become a safety concern. “Playing on the sand causes scratches on hands and feet. The holes on the field are also risky,” said Class IX student Rubayet Ahmed.
From sporting ground to neglected space
Dhupkhola field was a major sporting venue in Old Dhaka during the 1990s, where daily training sessions for football, cricket and volleyball were held. Former Bangladesh cricketers Mohammad Rafique, Aminul Islam Bulbul and Marshal Ayub are among those who played there.
The field also hosted regular cricket and football tournaments, including national-level events.
In late 2021, DSCC announced a Tk80 crore renovation project aimed at creating a modern sports and recreation centre. The plan included a football ground, basketball and badminton courts, cricket nets, walking tracks, green zones, children’s play areas, gardens, water bodies, lighting, parking facilities, food stalls and a coffee house.
But much of that vision remains unrealised.
Maintenance remains a challenge
Dhaka’s historic East End Club, which uses the field for training and activities, says the renovation failed to address long-term maintenance issues.
“Grass was planted after the renovation, but it did not survive. There are submersible pumps and deep tube wells for irrigation, but there is no designated person to operate them. There are also not enough toilets,” said club General Secretary Abdul Kadir.
He said the club repeatedly contacted DSCC seeking solutions over damage caused during renovation work and the need to restart stalled activities, but no permanent solution was found.
“Most of our old structures, including the boardroom, hall room, players’ accommodation and office, were demolished,” he said.
“Building infrastructure alone is not enough; regular maintenance is also necessary. A joint initiative involving East End Club, Jagannath University and local residents is needed.”
Legal dispute stalls project
As part of the original plan, shops beside the field were supposed to be removed and replaced with a five-storey market. Revenue from the market was expected to fund maintenance costs.
However, objections were raised and the High Court later imposed a status quo order on construction and related activities in a case.
DSCC officials said the project is currently stalled because of the writ petition.
Meanwhile, construction of a multi-storey building was visible on the western side of the field.
Gautam Kumar Das, deputy director of the Physical Education Centre at Jagannath University, said the field is temporarily prepared before tournaments and special events.
“This time, the plan is not only temporary preparation but to make the field permanently usable,” he told TIMES.
Experts call for redesign
Akhtar Unnesa Shiuli, regional executive officer (additional charge) of DSCC Zone-5 and deputy secretary, said she was not aware of the current condition and problems of Dhupkhola field as she had recently taken charge.
Urban planner Adil Muhammad Khan, former president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), criticised the decision to build a market inside the field.
“Constructing a market inside the field is illegal. It has reduced the size of the playground,” he said.
He suggested demolishing the market and redesigning the field to allow more people to use it for sports.
He also called for an audit of the quality of the grass previously planted and recommended taking expert opinions before future landscaping work.
“Stopping people from entering the field just to protect grass is not the solution. The focus should be on how more people can use the field for sports,” Adil Muhammad Khan said.
