Foundation laid for proposed Bangladesh Olympic Complex

A long-cherished ambition of establishing a multi-sports complex in the country took a significant step forward on Sunday as Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) president and Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, laid the foundation stone of the Bangladesh Olympic Complex in Trishal, Mymensingh.

The proposed Olympic Complex will be built on 173.2 acres of land currently under the use of the Bangladesh Army and is planned to accommodate facilities for 33 sporting disciplines. The estimated cost of the full project ranges between Tk 35,000 crore and Tk 38,000 crore.

The BOA has long expressed the need for a comprehensive training hub, citing the lack of adequate gymnasiums, swimming facilities, accommodation and modern training infrastructure for athletes. Although a feasibility study was conducted several years ago to build such a complex on the banks of the Padma in Munshiganj, the initiative did not materialise. The project gained momentum last year following the intervention of General Waker-Uz-Zaman.

Members of past and present BOA executive committees visited the Trishal site several times before unanimously agreeing on the location, situated about 26 kilometres from the Mymensingh town.

At the foundation-laying ceremony, project director Lt Col M Kutubuddin presented the master plan, which includes three indoor and six outdoor venues, along with a media centre, athlete accommodation, parking facilities and other supporting infrastructure. Although cricket was not initially included, it is likely to be incorporated into the master plan following the BOA president’s expressed interest.

“The Bangladesh Olympic Complex will become an international-standard venue capable of hosting major events, including the Asian Games,” said General Waker-Uz-Zaman. “Everything is ready; the only constraint is funding.”

He urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to allocate funds, while adding that the BOA would also seek financial support from the International Olympic Committee and Gulf nations.

BOA secretary general Jobayedur Rahman Rana said the complex would serve as a centre for skill development and leadership, helping Bangladesh establish a stronger presence on the international sporting stage.

Construction will be overseen by the 24 Engineer Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army, with US-based consultancy DLA advising local firm Vitti Sthapati Brindo Ltd. The project timeline and final budget are yet to be approved by the government.

“Primarily, we require Tk 2000 crore for project-1 [which will feature an indoor stadium, land development and other facilities] as well as need a two-and-half-year time” said architect Iqbal Habib, MD of Vitti. “However, we need Tk 35,000 to 38,000 crore to complete the full project within a time of five to six years.”