Village effort for playground earns government backing

A village's fight for a permanent playground has won government backing, with the Ministry of Youth and Sports set to buy an additional 60 decimals of land to expand a community-built playing field in Babupur, Delduar, Tangail.

The decision by Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque comes after villagers pooled their money to purchase 60 decimals of land, setting an example of community spirit that has caught the attention of the government.

Home to around 3,500 people and more than 700 families, Babupur had no permanent playground for its children and young people. They could only play on open land after the rice harvest, with farming activities leaving them without space for sport during other parts of the year.

Led by local sports enthusiast Khorshed Alam and entrepreneur SM Iqbal Mahmud, villagers came together to raise funds, contributing amounts ranging from Tk200 to Tk10,000 according to their means.

Landowner Iqbal Hossain Sujon also donated one decimal of land. The villagers paid Tk30.68 lakh for the remaining 59 decimals and formally took possession on 29 October. The playground was inaugurated with the hoisting of the national flag.

After the initiative received media coverage, Aminul contacted the district deputy commissioner and the upazila nirbahi officer to learn more about the project. Impressed by the villagers' efforts, he decided to purchase the adjoining 60 decimals through the ministry and gift the land to the community.

"Such a spontaneous initiative by the people of Babupur for a playground has set a different example in our sporting landscape. The government and the ministry always want to encourage positive initiatives driven by people themselves. If we can stand beside these villagers to ensure a healthy sporting environment for children and teenagers, it will be something special," Aminul said.

The state minister has invited the deputy commissioner, the upazila nirbahi officer and village representatives to the National Sports Council on 1 November to formally announce the decision and recognise the villagers' contribution.

The initiative is expected to create a larger permanent space for sport and recreation, offering an inspiring example of how community effort can help develop grassroots sport.