Dhaka, June 23 (V7N) — Following the example of Chattogram's MA Aziz Stadium, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has formally requested the government to allocate Dhaka’s National Stadium exclusively for football. This was confirmed by BFF Vice-President Naser Shahriar Zahedi on Sunday.

In response to the BFF’s request, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council (NSC) have expressed their agreement, with Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan initiating the official process.

Despite the existence of Bashundhara Kings Arena, Zahedi emphasized the strategic importance of the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) in Dhaka, describing it as the "home of football" due to its central location and facilities. “Although it hosts events from various sports, we’ve requested the stadium for exclusive football use,” he said.

Meanwhile, NSC Secretary Aminul Islam offered a measured response, particularly regarding infrastructure. While BFF reportedly wants the athletics track surrounding the football pitch removed, Aminul Islam maintained that the athletics track should remain.

“There are many major football stadiums around the world with tracks. Athletics is the mother of all sports, and events are regularly held here by the Bangladesh Athletics Federation,” he said. He further noted that FIFA guidelines do not object to tracks around football fields.

He also highlighted the historic legacy of the National Stadium, once home to iconic clubs Abahani and Mohammedan SC. “If BFF wants, they can provide home venue facilities to Premier League clubs in the future as well,” Aminul added.

The ongoing discussions signal a possible reshaping of the sports venue landscape in Dhaka, potentially giving football a dedicated home ground while balancing the interests of other sports disciplines.

END/MSS/AJ