[Murad]

Rajshahi protests floodlights shift

Staff Correspondent, Rajshahi


News of the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium floodlights being taken away to Dhaka sparked sharp reaction among sport lovers here who condemned the incident and announced protest movement.

The protesters claimed that the authorities are avoiding Rajshahi in holding international cricket matches on plea of residential problems. But the divisional headquarters fulfilled all necessary requirements including quality grounds for holding the same.

However, employees sent by National Cricket Council started taking off floodlights from Rajshahi Divisional Stadium Thursday morning.

The stadium sources said it will take three days to take off the lights as 400 bulbs will be sent to Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium for holding the tri-nation series in June involving India, Pakistan and the hosts.

Rajshahi Test Venue Movement Council (RTVMC) called for a human chain programme on Saturday demanding cancellation of the decision of shifting Rajshahi floodlights.

"We have demanded to make Rajshahi a Test venue for long and the authorities always turned a blind eye to our demand. Now they are taking away floodlights to downsize the quality of our stadium. Such move cannot be tolerated,” said RTVMC convenor Liaqat Ali.“If Rajshahi is not made a Test venue for residential problems, how does the Mirpur stadium qualified for international matches without floodlights?” he asked.

Rajshahi Rakkha Shangram Parisad convenor Zamat Khan said that they will go for tough movements if the steps were not cancelled immediately.

Rezaun Nabi, acting Rajshahi mayor, and all ward commissioners in a joint statement expressed deep concern at the shifting of the lights.

Rajshahi District Sports Association general secretary Imtiaj Ahmed Shamsul Huda said his association requested NCC to reconsider their decision.

Many local clubs also issued statements protesting the matter as well as demanding immediate cancellation of the decision.

Daily Star