The Gor-e-Shaheed Boro Maidan in Dinajpur town, which is supposed to be open for the public, has been occupied by several local clubs and organizations, depriving people, especially the children and teenagers of a place for playing and recreation.
Influential cricket and football organizations have enclosed the ground with bamboo to maintain control over it. These clubs are using the field illegally and conducting their activities under the guise of sports.
Despite the military's restrictions, both permanent and temporary structures have been constructed on the ground. The clubs are conducting their sporting activities within specific areas of the field and are obstructing public access. Allegations have surfaced that several cricket and football clubs have joined forces to assert dominance over the field, effectively turning it into a private property.
When attempting to enter the field, children, youths, and the elderly are being hit with balls to force them to leave. Those who wish to play or sit on the field are being threatened in various ways. There are also reports of cars being vandalized, with windows broken when parked nearby. Additionally, these clubs exert pressure on local businesses to prevent them from operating in the vicinity of the field. As a result, the general public go to the field risking their safety and they feel insecure when they are in the field.
In light of this situation, there have been calls for the swift intervention of the military and the district administration. Since the Gor-e-Shaheed Boro Maidan is under the military's jurisdiction, removing both permanent and temporary illegal structures and taking strict action to reopen the field for the public would help resolve the issue. The district administration is also preparing to take legal action against the illegal occupation of the field.
Deputy Commissioner of Dinajpur said the field should be open to everyone. We are taking immediate steps to remove the illegally occupied organizations and restore the field for public use.
If swift action is not taken to resolve this issue, the Gor-e-Shaheed Boro Maidan in Dinajpur could fall permanently into the hands of occupiers, resulting in significant loss for the general public.
