BFF secures land for country's first FIFA-certified technical centre in Ramu
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has been permanently allocated 15.20 acres of government land in Rashidnagar, Ramu, Cox's Bazar, to build the country's first FIFA-certified technical centre on Monday.
The land, non-agricultural khas land, was formally handed over at a Cox's Bazar hotel, with Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan signing for the government and BFF president Tabith Awal signing for the federation.
It was transferred under a lease at a symbolic price, subject to prime ministerial approval.
Awal called the project a concrete step toward Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's pledge to transform the country's sporting arena.
The centre will offer training for boys and girls across age groups, alongside international-standard rehabilitation and physiotherapy facilities — including programmes for people with paralysis and other physical conditions, filling what he said is a current gap in Bangladesh.
Boundary wall construction and land-levelling will begin next month, Awal said, with a consultant to be appointed for detailed design work in line with land ministry regulations.
A section of the allocated land is currently inhabited by several families. Awal met them and pledged humane resettlement, factoring in employment, education, healthcare and livelihood needs, to be finalised in consultation with residents.
Awal said the centre, alongside BKSP and Ramu Cantonment, could form an international-standard sports hub, boosting both football and tourism in Cox's Bazar, including hosting tournaments and training for visiting players.
Deputy Commissioner Mannan said the transfer aims to nurture footballing talent nationwide. Former footballer Ibrahim Azad Babu and sports organisers Sarwar Roman and Harun Or Rashid welcomed the project, saying it would give local players access to modern training facilities.
The completed centre will include three international-standard pitches, two four-storey dormitories, a gymnasium, swimming pool, medical facilities, a canteen and conference rooms.