Kamalapur stadium staff withdrawn over negligence of duty

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has ordered the withdrawal of officials responsible for Birshrestha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur after observing what he described as negligence in maintaining security and proper management at the venue.

After visiting the stadium, Aminul instructed the executive director of the National Sports Council (NSC) to withdraw the stadium administrator and security personnel and to take immediate steps to strengthen security arrangements.

“Despite the administrator being new, the negligence shown by the security personnel and staff is unacceptable. I have ordered their immediate transfer. Their replacements will be briefed thoroughly on their responsibilities. Additionally, we are going to increase manpower for the stadium and collaborating with the Mugda Police Station to prevent unauthorised access and drug-related incidents at the stadium premises,” Haque told reporters after inspecting the stadium in Kamalapur on Sunday.

The state minister visited the venue on Sunday afternoon following electronic media reports that makeshift houses had been built on the rooftop and rented out, while youths from nearby residential areas were regularly entering the ground by bypassing security points to use the newly installed artificial turf, raising concerns about the durability of the FIFA-funded surface. The reports also alleged drug dealing around the stadium premises.

“As per the report in the media, the area surrounding the stadium has unfortunately become a hub for drug-related activities. We have seen significant theft of equipment, including components for the floodlights,” Aminul said. “May be for the security reasons, some staff are using the stadium spaces by making makeshift houses. As it is a sporting facility, we are committed to restoring it to proper stadium standards.”

Aminul also said the authorities have in principle decided to hand over the stadium to the Bangladesh Football Federation for development work under a FIFA grant. Until the handover is completed, the NSC will remain responsible for security, management and the overall environment of the stadium.

“I have directed to raise the existing boundary walls with barbed wire to prevent the unauthorised entry to the stadium. We expect these measures to be implemented soon,” said the former national football team captain.