How Bangladesh is Building Sports Infrastructure

Bangladesh is changing its sports landscape thanks to massive investments in infrastructure. The country is building basic facilities for world-class complexes, marking the largest sports development movement in decades.

Olympic stadiums across the country
The government has approved a megaproject to build 201 mini-stadiums at the Upazila level by August 2025. the project cost tk 2,855.42 crore (about $350 million) and includes 201 upazilas in 58 districts.

The Sports Council will implement the project by 2027. Each installation includes two-storey flag buildings, Moderna galleries, perimeter walls and artificial turf installations. The Land is acquired in 123 upazilas.

This is the second stage of the construction of the stadium. In the first Phase, 125 stadiums were completed in June 2019. Once the Moderna project is completed, all Upazilas of Bangladesh Moderna will have a modern training center.

By May 2025, the project had achieved an economic progress of 45.48% and a physical completion of 54%. The current financial year has allocated tk115. 74 million to continue construction.

Development of the Olympic complex

The Bangladesh Olympic Association has approved the construction of a world-class sports complex in Trishal and Mymensingh. The $120 million facility is the biggest investment in sports infrastructure in decades.

Construction will begin in June 2025 under the supervision of the army. The complex will include indoor stadiums, training facilities and accommodation for athletes. The President of the BOA is the chairman of the development committee.

The facility aims to improve Bangladesh’s Olympic medal prospects. Bangladesh has participated in every Summer Olympics since 1984, but has yet to win a medal. Most athletes compete via wildcards due to limited qualifying opportunities.

Renovation of the National Stadium

The Dhaka National Stadium underwent a major renovation which was completed in 2025. The project cost $98 million. tk and reduced capacity from 55,000 to 22,085 for improved facilities.

Moderna NYE NYE drainage, LED projectors, updated press facilities and new VIP areas can be seen in the renovated venue. The Stadium Serves as the home ground of the Bangladesh National Football Team.
The site hosted Argentina against Nigeria in 2011 with Lionel Messi and other International Stars. It regularly hosts SAFF championship matches and international friendly matches.

Cricket Infrastructure Projects

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has planned a new domestic cricket ground with a capacity of 50,000 at Purbachal. The $140 million project would make it the most expensive cricket stadium in Asia.

However, construction was halted in August 2024 due to policy changes. The tender process has been canceled and the project design is being reviewed.

Meanwhile, existing cricket stadiums are facing challenges. The Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah has been abandoned since 2016 due to flooding. International Cricket is still concentrated in Mirpur and Chattogram.

Challenges of sports development

Sport Bangladesh is facing a gap in infrastructure despite recent investments. One of the persistent challenges is the lack of institutional and private support that prevents the densely populated country from competing on an equal footing with its regional competitors.

Although success has been achieved in football, Cricket and Hockey until 2024, the need for comprehensive reform and increased investment in sports infrastructure remains clear.

The government has allocated funds for 20 sports development projects in the 2024-25 budget. This includes talent programs and the provision of equipment to sports associations.

Modern technology and facilities

The development of modern sports in Bangladesh includes modern technology. The mini-stadium project includes glass facades, solar panels and digital infrastructure. NYE’s facilities meet international standards for the organization of regional competitions.

The participation of the private sector is increasing. Companies like Integral Group have completed 16 paddle courts and 4 artificial turf football fields. These partnerships complement public investments.

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Impact of regional competition

Bangladesh Won 20 gold medals at the 2019 South Asian Games in Nepal, a major breakthrough in the regional competition. Archery has become a powerhouse, athletes like Ruman Shana become national heroes.

Investments in infrastructure are aimed at bridging performance gaps with neighbors. In archery, Bangladeshi athletes consistently outperform their Indian counterparts, winning 7 out of 10 gold medals at the last regional championships.

Particular attention is paid to swimming facilities, as time slots with regional rivals have been reduced from a few minutes to a few seconds during major events.

Future prospects

The plan for the development of Bangladesh’s sports infrastructure extends until 2027. the mini-stadium project will create training opportunities in each Upazila. In combination with the Olympic complex, these facilities can transform the development of athletes.

The Planning Commission hopes that the infrastructure will be improved to host competitions at the Upazila and regional levels. This fundamental approach aims to identify and nurture rural talents.

Success depends on effective implementation and maintenance. Previous projects have been accused of corruption, highlighting the need for transparent oversight of Taka’s multibillion-dollar investments.

When properly implemented, these infrastructure projects position sport in Bangladesh for unprecedented growth in international competition.