All is set for the inauguration of the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar, which will be the third biggest cricket venue in the world.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the stadium on Sunday. Concerned authorities said they have completed all due preparations in this regard.
After completion, the stadium is expected to accommodate one lakh spectators and Cox's Bazar, which also holds the largest beach in the world, will be open to new horizons.
The first phase of the construction has been completed after approval on April 18, 2013.
A delegation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) led by chief Curator Mohammad Zahid Reza began the construction work the next day.
The venue was expected to host the Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh, however was eventually dismissed after invigilation from the International Cricket Council.
BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon visited the construction site on Tuesday ahead of the inaugural. He assured that the stadium will be a complete sports complex.
“The basic structure of the stadium is complete at a cost of Tk20 crore, financed by the BCB,” he said.
A total of 80 acres of land has been acquired for the construction. The stadium will take 50 acres and the rest of the land will be used for academic buildings, hotels, gymnasiums and swimming pools, he said.
Cox's Bazar Sadar constituency MP Saimum Sarwar said it was the dream of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to build a stadium by the beach.
“The government has fulfilled this dream. Cox's Bazar will now open to new business opportunities and popularity in the international arena.”
Cox's Bazar sports organisation General Secretary Professor Jashim Uddin said the stadium will accommodate almost one lakh spectators. “It will be the third biggest stadium in the world.”
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ruhul Amin said the premier will inaugurate some other projects on Sunday along with inaugurating the stadium.
The district's police Additional Superintendent Tofail Ahmed said a five-layer security system has been set up for the prime minister's visit. “All preparations are complete.”
Hasina had unveiled the plaque of this stadium at a rally in Ukhia on September 3. Now, five months into it, the stadium is all set to be inaugurated.
