State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has confirmed plans to build a full-fledged stadium in Sylhet's Dakshin Surma upazila, upgrading what was originally intended as a mini stadium under a nationwide sports infrastructure programme.
The former Bangladesh captain and goalkeeper revealed the plan on Saturday, August 29, after inspecting three potential sites in the area, saying the government would weigh factors including access for local residents and spectators alongside the facilities required for players.
Initially, the plan was to build a mini stadium in Dakshin Surma. However, they are now considering changing that plan and building a full-fledged stadium.Aminul Haque, State Minister for Youth and Sports
"Three potential sites for the construction of a stadium in Dakshin Surma have already been inspected. Among them, the site that is most convenient for local residents will be selected," Aminul said, adding that easy access to the venue's galleries would also factor into the final decision.
He explained that the original mini stadium plan was now being reconsidered in favour of something far larger, one that would give Sylhet its second major venue alongside Sylhet International Stadium.
"Initially, the plan was to build a mini stadium in Dakshin Surma. However, they are now considering changing that plan and building a full-fledged stadium," he said.
A Detailed Project Proposal will be drawn up once a site is finalised, with the stadium expected to require between five and six acres of land. Aminul said officials were prioritising government owned khas land wherever possible to keep costs down.
"We are trying to take the initiative to build the stadium wherever government owned khas land is available. This will make it possible to reduce the government's additional expenditure," he said.
The Sylhet project forms part of a much broader push by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to expand access to playing facilities nationwide, addressing what officials have long identified as one of the country's biggest sporting challenges, a shortage of usable grounds.
The ministry has also begun offering sports allowances to bring national level athletes under a formal government salary structure.
Work on the wider mini stadium initiative is currently under way across 201 upazilas, with several projects already completed and others progressing while land acquisition continues elsewhere.
Once acquisition is finalised in those remaining areas, construction is expected to begin.