The executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a revised project to build 201 mini-stadiums at the upazila level across Bangladesh, marking a major step in the country’s grassroots sports development.
The project, titled ‘Construction of Mini Stadiums at Upazila Level (Phase II) – 1st Revised’, was approved on Sunday with an estimated cost of Tk 2,855.42 crore and an implementation period extended to June 2027 (from the original July 2021 to June 2025).
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and implemented by the National Sports Council (NSC), the initiative will be fully funded by the government.
The mini-stadiums will be constructed in 201 upazilas across 58 districts, aiming to strengthen local sports infrastructure, promote grassroots participation, and provide athletes with modern facilities for training and competition.
Key features of the mini-stadiums
Each stadium will include:
A two-storey pavilion building with spectator galleries
Boundary walls, office and toilet blocks, and utility works
Glass façade design elements
Development of playing fields with turfing and installation of goalposts
Land acquisition in 123 upazilas
The project revision was necessary due to several factors:
Land acquisition challenges
Updated construction costs based on the Public Works Department’s 2022 rate schedule (replacing the 2018 rates)
Rising costs of materials and components
Increased dollar exchange rate
Extension of the project timeline by two years to ensure completion
Progress and Funding
As of May 2025, the project has achieved 45.48% financial progress (Tk 750.10 crore spent) and 54% physical progress.
For the current fiscal year (2025–26), Tk 115.74 crore has been allocated under the Annual Development Programme (ADP).
The Planning Commission noted that once completed, the stadiums will enable regular sports competitions at the upazila and regional levels, help identify and nurture young talent, and create opportunities for systematic training in various disciplines.
From vision to legacy: A stadium in every upazila
The construction of 201 mini-stadiums is part of Phase II of a broader national initiative launched during the previous Awami League government to build a Sheikh Russell Memorial Mini-Stadium in every upazila across Bangladesh.
Phase I, completed in June 2019, saw the construction of stadiums in 125 upazilas.
The current phase aims to expand coverage to all remaining upazilas, ensuring equitable access to sports infrastructure nationwide.
Notably, the interim government has dropped the name “Sheikh Russell” from the project, referring to the stadiums simply as upazila-level mini-stadiums.
A foundation for future champions
With sports increasingly recognised as vital for youth development and national pride, this ambitious project is seen as a long-term investment in Bangladesh’s athletic future.
From cricket and football to track and field, these mini-stadiums could soon become the training grounds for tomorrow’s champions.