The resumption of domestic football at Dhaka National Stadium will be delayed for at least another three months, with ongoing renovation work still incomplete. General spectators are unable to recall when they last witnessed a domestic league match at the venue. The stadium renovation was initiated in the same year the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the project has taken approximately five years to reach its current stage. Despite this, domestic club competitions have still not returned to the ground, although international fixtures have been held.
The most recent match hosted at the stadium was between Bangladesh and Hong Kong. Since then, the venue has remained unused for domestic club football, despite being available. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has continued to restrict domestic league fixtures from being played there. As a result, major clubs such as Mohammedan and Abahani have been compelled to play league matches outside Dhaka, despite facing financial constraints. Renovation work is currently ongoing at the stadium.
The BFF held its election in October 2024. Nearly 19 months later, a stadium committee has now been formed. The committee is chaired by BFF member Iqbal Hossain and includes eight additional members.
Stadium Committee Composition
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Iqbal Hossain | Chairman |
| Tabith Awal | President, BFF |
| Mahid Uddin Ahmed Selim | Member |
| Manjurul Alam Dulal | Member |
| Hannan Mia Hannu (Gazipur) | Member |
| Mobarak Hossain | Member |
| Anwar Hossain Anu | Member |
| Motahar Hossain | Member |
| Hafsa Rahman Maury | Member |
Yesterday, Chairman Iqbal Hossain visited the Dhaka National Stadium pitch along with two to three committee members. Not all members were present during the inspection. After reviewing the site and consulting with the contracting firm, he stated that the playing surface would not be ready before 20 August. He added that significant time is still required as layering concrete work is currently in progress.
Iqbal Hossain stated:”Soil fertility should be increased with urea fertilizer. Two species of grass have been chosen. Either one will be planted. Grass samples are being tested next to the field. It is being done over a period of 25 days. The field will be made by planting the type of grass that would be best.”
He further explained that previously, rainwater required approximately 20 to 25 minutes to drain from the pitch. Following upgrades to the drainage system, this has been reduced to 10 to 12 minutes. He confirmed that the drainage infrastructure has been improved.
Concerns were also raised regarding surrounding vegetation. He noted that if external grass from the stadium perimeter is carried onto the main pitch by wind, it could damage the quality of the playing surface. Preventing contamination from outside grass has therefore been identified as an important requirement.
When asked about the cost of renovation work, Iqbal Hossain stated that it could only be confirmed after reviewing the details.
While the completion of renovation work does not yet guarantee the return of domestic league football to the Dhaka National Stadium, the BFF has not confirmed any final decision. However, football clubs have begun renewed efforts to push for the resumption of league matches at the venue.