Two companies appointed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have started a feasibility study to assess the viability of constructing an international-standard cricket stadium on the banks of the Padma River in Manikganj.
The work started on Monday, on 25.96 acres of land near the Paturia Ferry Ghat area, and a report is supposed to be submitted by Vistara and Basat JV by August 30, said BCB Director and Manikganj 1 lawmaker Naimur Rahman Durjoy.
The construction of the 11th international cricket stadium in Bangladesh will start if the feedback of the report is positive. “If everything goes according to plan, we will see visible progress in the construction work before the next general elections,” Durjoy added.
Director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Manikganj 1 MP Naimur Rahman Durjoy speaks with the teams of Vistara and Basat JV on Monday, March 11, 2022 Dhaka Tribune“Having a stadium in Manikganj would open the door of development to many people. Our district would gain in reputation as well,” he added.
Even though the project started under the name "Manikganj Stadium", its final name will be "Sheikh Hasina International Cricket Stadium".
In 2015, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced plans to build an international standard stadium on the banks of the Padma at a reception for the Bangladesh Cricket Team after the World Cup.
Sheikh Hasina made the final announcement at an election rally in the Paturia Ferry Ghat area in 2016. She said: “Since Durjoy is a former cricketer, and an MP, the stadium will be in his constituency. ”
After that announcement, the National Sports Council made the project one of its top priorities.