Naeem Ahmed, SUST

A tennis court built at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) at a cost of approximately half a crore taka for the recreational use of teachers and officers during their leisure time is now lying abandoned.

 The court is deteriorating due to substandard materials, administrative negligence, and a lack of proper maintenance. Allegations suggest that low-quality materials were used during construction. As a result, the plastic protective net broke within the first six months. Furthermore, due to the accumulation of grass, weeds, moss, and the lack of regular maintenance, the court has become unplayable. Faculties and officers have said this is the only tennis court available for them on campus, but its poor condition has rendered it unusable. Currently, the court is overgrown with various plants and has become abandoned.

Investigations revealed  that former VC Prof  Farid Uddin Ahmed had also questioned the quality of the court during its inauguration. At the inauguration ceremony, the VC remarked, “We didn’t get the standard of court we had expected. What’s done is done. We must now try to rectify the faults that occurred. That may require additional expenses.” Within six months of inauguration, the protective plastic net broke from repeated impact from balls. Later, a more durable net was installed.

According to the engineering department, the court was inaugurated in October 2022. Initially, the estimated cost of construction was set at Tk 5.1 million, but the final expenditure came to Tk 5,010,872. The new net was installed at no extra cost, as the contractor replaced it during the warranty period. The engineering department further mentioned that the construction was completed and handed over to the university administration. The university club is currently responsible for its upkeep. Any future renovations would require the club to inform the administration, following which, necessary steps will be taken.

Prof  Dr. Mahbubur Rashid, President of the University Club, said, “The renovation of the tennis court is not funded by the club. The university administration usually provides support for this. Since I took charge, no meetings have been held yet. We will soon sit down and make decisions collectively. We plan to present several demands, including renovation of the tennis court, to the VC very soon.”

SUST Pro-VC  Prof  Dr. Md. Shajedul Karim said, “The engineering department handed over the court to the university club after completion. If renovation is needed, the club should inform the administration so that necessary action can be taken.”