BFF Signs Land Lease Agreement for Cox's Bazar Technical Centre

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has officially secured 15.20 acres of land in the Rashidnagar union of Ramu, Cox's Bazar, to construct a modern technical centre. The momentous agreement for the land transfer is scheduled to be signed on Monday through a formal ceremony involving the local Deputy Commissioner and newly elected BFF President Tabith Awwal.

Under the finalized agreement, the valuable property—estimated to be worth over eight crore taka—is being handed over to the football federation for a symbolic price of just one hundred and one taka. Adviser Wahiduddin Chowdhury explained that when the Ministry of Land sought more than eight crore taka for the property, an appeal was made to the Honorable Prime Minister for a waiver. The government approved the land under special consideration for the nominal fee, which has already been deposited, clearing the path for Monday's acquisition.

This new location marks a relocation from previous plans initiated during the tenure of former BFF president Kazi Salahuddin. Earlier allocations in the reserved forest area of Khuniapalong in Ramu faced strong objections from environmentalists, leading the interim government to officially cancel that specific allotment in September 2024.

The newly acquired project site in Rashidnagar will be developed into a comprehensive training hub funded by international grants. FIFA is providing approximately 65 crore taka in total across two installments to finance the construction and establishment of the technical facility.

Detailed plans for the Cox's Bazar Technical Centre outline an extensive array of sports infrastructure designed to support national and international teams. The comprehensive project will feature three international-standard football pitches, two four-story dormitories, a fully equipped gymnasium, a swimming pool, and dedicated medical and rehabilitation facilities. Additionally, the complex will include a dining canteens and professional conference rooms to host meetings and training seminars.

The current lease agreement grants the Bangladesh Football Federation the rights to the land for an initial duration of thirty years. Furthermore, the terms of the arrangement include provisions for the lease to potentially be extended up to ninety-nine years, ensuring a long-term home for the development of Bangladeshi football.