Under FIFA’s Forward Development Project, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is set to receive Tk 30 crore to build the country’s first-ever technical center. However, concerns had arisen that the fund might be withdrawn if construction failed to begin by December this year.
Dismissing those concerns, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, assured that “there is no possibility of the fund being withdrawn.”
He gave this assurance on Tuesday (October 14) while inaugurating the newly constructed artificial turf field at the Kamalapur Stadium under the FIFA Forward Project.
Nearly three years ago, BFF took the initiative to establish a Center for Excellence. Initially, land was allocated at Khuniapalong in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, but it was later shifted to Dholirchhara in Rashidnagar Union of the same district. The project now awaits final approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Asif Mahmud said, “The matter is currently being processed at the Land Ministry. We hope it will be resolved soon, and we’ll be able to begin work through coordination between the BFF and the ministries concerned.”
Highlighting that BFF has yet to acquire its own field even after 53 years of establishment, he said the FIFA-funded technical center will open a new chapter in Bangladesh football.
The proposed complex will include a grass field, artificial turf, gymnasium, swimming pool, and an academic building for footballers—facilities expected to play a key role in enhancing the quality and development of football in the country.