Agrabad Jamburi Field in Chattogram has reopened for sporting activities following renovation after years of neglect.
The field was restored through a joint initiative of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB), reads a press release.
UCB provided financial support for the renovation, while CCC oversaw the project.
The renovated field was formally inaugurated on Saturday by Dr Shahadat Hossain, administrator of Chattogram City Corporation, and Sharif Zahir, chairman of UCB.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammad Ashraful Amin, acting chief executive officer and secretary of CCC; Md Anisur Rahman, chief engineer of CCC; Anwar Jahan, executive engineer of CCC; ATM Selim Reza, assistant engineer of CCC; Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, chief executive officer of UCB; and Ashraf Uddin Chowdhury (Caesar), senior executive vice-president and head of business development and regulatory affairs, Chattogram, UCB, along with senior officials from both organisations.
Agrabad Jamburi field was once a popular playground for local children and young sports enthusiasts. Many athletes who later competed at local and national levels began their sporting journeys there. However, years of inadequate maintenance and renovation left the field unsuitable for regular use, limiting sporting opportunities for young people in the area.
To restore the field as a venue for sporting activities, UCB extended its support for the renovation. The initiative is expected to give children and young people more opportunities to participate in sports regularly and provide young athletes with a suitable environment to practise and develop their skills.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Shahadat Hossain, administrator of Chattogram City Corporation, said, “Ensuring playgrounds for children and young people is essential to making a city more liveable. We sincerely appreciate UCB’s support in developing this field and hope it will once again become a vibrant hub of sporting activities.”
Sharif Zahir, chairman of UCB, said, “UCB’s successful turnaround has opened up new possibilities for us. We want to play a role in restoring Bangladesh’s lost glory.”
Alongside its banking services, UCB has been supporting initiatives in sports, culture and education. The bank previously became a sponsor of the national football team, demonstrating its commitment to the development of sports in Bangladesh. The renovation of Agrabad Jamburi field is part of these ongoing efforts.
As rapid urbanisation continues to reduce playgrounds and open spaces in major cities, the restoration of Agrabad Jamburi field marks a significant development for local children and young athletes. With regular maintenance and proper management, the field is expected to once again become an important centre for sporting activities in Chattogram.
