Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) sustained damages from Hefazat-e-Islam activists on Sunday night. Hundreds of Hefazat supporters broke into the BNS and vandalised the press box on the third floor. They also tried to wreck the president box, the mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the eastern gallery and the Olympic cauldron – but were unsuccessful. The ministry of youth and sports said in a press release that Hefazat vandalised and set fire to fifty mobile chairs, press box, Athletics Federation store room, the seats of the eastern gallery, seating shed of the players, VIP and players dressing rooms, athletics timing house, stadium lighting and the sound system. Technical director of Bangladesh Football Federation Bayezid Jubaer Nipu's station wagon (Dhaka Ga-176134) was also burnt down in front of the National Sports Council (NSC) tower by the activists. The shutter of NSC main gate and a motor cycle were also damaged. Youth and sports minister Ahad Ali Sarkar visited the stadium's damaged areas yesterday and said that necessary action will be taken to punish those responsible for the destruction.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
