Staff Correspondent

 The Ministry of Housing and Public Works and the Ministry of Youth and Sports signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday, to ensure the long-term conservation, maintenance, and administrative management of the Dhanmondi Cricket Ground—commonly known as the Abahani Ground—and the Dhanmondi Ground.

Under the agreement, Public Works Department (PWD) Chief Engineer Md. Khalekuzzaman Chowdhury represented the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, while National Sports Council (NSC) Executive Director Md. Doulatuzzaman Khan, NDC, signed on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

 The signing ceremony was attended by Housing and Public Works Minister Zakariya Taher, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haq, Housing and Public Works Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman, and Youth and Sports Secretary Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam.

Speaking as chief guest, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakariya Taher stated that the initiative aligns with electoral commitments to expand sports infrastructure and open urban grounds for youth physical development across metropolitan neighborhoods.

 Delivering his address as special guest, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haq noted that the government aims to de-politicize sports clubs, develop archery and shooting infrastructure at Dhanmondi Ground, modernize facility access under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, and retain practice privileges for Abahani Club, while confirming that the Youth and Sports Ministry will oversee management and maintenance of both venues for an initial five-year term.