This time, the first two matches of the first day took place in Munshiganj and Gazipur in two of the five venues of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) football. But the condition of the two fields is such that the question automatically comes to the lips – can it be played on such a field?
Mohammedan and Dhaka Wanderers played in the first match at Shahid Barkat Stadium in Gazipur. Many of the footballers of both teams were surprised to step on the field. The fear of getting hurt lingers in someone's mind. Nobody laughed again. During the warm-up, some of the club officials were seen criticizing the field. A senior footballer of Wanderers, who did not wish to be named, told Ajkar newspaper, 'You can see the direction of football in Bangladesh by looking at the field. If you have to play football in such a field year after year, it is difficult to expect improvement.'
The Shaheed Barkat Stadium, built in 1995, has not yet been completed. Initially it was named Gazipur District Stadium. Later this stadium was named after language martyr Abul Barkat. It has been found that the stadium mainly hosts parade programs, concerts and various sports events of the district especially cricket, football and player selection on the national days of Bangladesh. It is now one of the venues of the most prestigious domestic football tournament. After the construction, the National Sports Council spent about 3 crore rupees on the renovation of the stadium. Still, the field is so rough that the footballers have to play with the fear of getting injured.
As many holes as possible have been repaired before the match. Gazipur District Football Association Councilor Hannan Mia spoke about this. He was disappointed in the fragile state of the field and said, 'The game has not been played for 15-16 years. No one even keeps track of Bafuf. We sometimes care for ourselves as much as we can. A few days ago there was no goal post in this field. Goalposts installed before Premier League matches. What can I say, there is no scoreboard.'
In another match of the day, Brothers-Police FC played at Shaheed Bir Shrestha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj. Built in 1974, the stadium with a capacity of about 8,000 spectators has lost its luster day by day. Before this time in 2021 and 2022 some Premier League matches were held at this ground. The situation was not so bad then. This time it is the home venue of Brothers. But Brothers and Police FC players had a bitter experience playing here yesterday. In some parts of the field there is little grass, and in some parts it is gray.
The field of Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur and Shaheed Bir Shrestha Flight Lt. Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj are discussed over the victory and defeat of the first day of the Premier League. Football experts of the country are seeing the reflection of domestic football in this discoloration of the field.
