Aminul suspends Kamalapur Stadium administrator

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque suspended stadium administrator Shafi Kamal on Sunday after a surprise inspection revealed serious negligence and poor conditions at Bir Sherestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium.

The stadium has been without electricity for 21 days, while its washrooms have no water. Players have been forced to sit outside their dormitories in extreme heat, using their shirts as makeshift fans.

Aside from the playing turf, the stadium's facilities are in disrepair, with rubbish, vehicle parts, dust, and a lack of basic amenities leaving the venue in a miserable state.

The former footballer visited the stadium on Sunday afternoon and was visibly angered by what he found. Dressing rooms, washrooms, the press box and staircases were all covered in dust and garbage.

He held the administrator responsible for the negligence and ordered his immediate suspension.

"Since taking office, we have prioritized sports, as directed by the Prime Minister," Aminul said. "For 56 years, we've been stagnant and aim to create a more sports-friendly environment." He also expressed disappointment over the state of facilities for players and the media.

"It is very sad to see that we have not yet moved away from the old ways. The environment of the players' dressing rooms, washrooms and the media press box is absolutely unacceptable," he said.

The stadium is currently hosting Second Division football matches and an Under-17 women's training camp despite its deteriorating facilities.

Aminul also aimed at the shops surrounding the stadium. Originally leased for sports-related businesses, several have reportedly been turned into auto-rickshaw garages.