JU's Tk 4 Crore Central Playground in Ruins Before Inauguration

The newly constructed Central Playground-1 at Jahangirnagar University (JU), built at a cost of nearly Tk 4.08 crore, has fallen into dilapidated condition even before its formal inauguration. Due to lack of proper care and management, and with no clear responsibility assigned for maintenance since handover has not yet occurred, the field is suffering damage from unrestricted entry and use by outsiders.

University sources say that if such deterioration occurs before official handover, there is a serious risk of long-term structural and financial loss. Without immediate construction of boundary walls, strengthened security, and regular upkeep, this new infrastructure will fail to maintain its expected standard.

The playground, spread over approximately 20 bighas (about 300,000 square feet) behind Al Beruni Hall, was built under the university’s further development project to serve as a joint venue for football and cricket. Plans include specialized cricket pitches and an international-standard sports facility, making it a significant addition to JU’s sports infrastructure.

On-site visits reveal regular unauthorized use due to absence of supervision. Uncontrolled movement and play are destroying newly laid grass and damaging the topsoil. Without designated entry points or security measures, uncontrolled access across various parts of the field is worsening the situation.

JU student Hasan Rabbi from the Department of Government and Politics said: “We had been waiting for a quality playground for a long time. It is very disappointing that such a high-cost field is being ruined even before inauguration. Immediate boundary wall construction and regular monitoring are essential.”

Tahmidur Rahman, a student of the Philosophy Department, added: “Every afternoon I see many people walking on the field, some even playing football in boots on the new grass. If it reaches this state before proper inauguration, it will be difficult to keep it intact later. At least temporary fencing and security personnel should be placed around it.”

JU Planning and Development Office Acting Director Engineer Md. Nasir Uddin said a four-member committee headed by Pharmacy Department Professor Dr. Sohel Rana was formed to observe and prevent damage to the field. On Monday (2 March), a meeting of the observation committee was held in the presence of Treasurer Professor Abdur Rob. The meeting decided that the contractor will complete the remaining necessary work quickly and hand over the field formally to the university administration very soon. However, no specific timeline for the handover was provided.