The National Sports Council has decided to build the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Technical Center at an alternative location instead of the reserved forest in Ramu of Cox’s Bazar.
Initially planned for 20 acres of land in Ramu’s reserved forest, the center will now be set up on 19.1 acres of abandoned land in Dhalirchhara of the same upazila.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, on Sunday (September 1), the National Sports Council sent a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar and the BFF to take necessary actions for this change.
This decision follows a recommendation from the Environmental Adviser, who urged the Youth and Sports Adviser to find an alternative site to protect the forest and its wildlife, including habitats of Asian wild elephants.
Previously, plans for the technical center sparked protests from environmentalists and conservation groups concerned about the potential destruction of the forest, wildlife, and biodiversity.
In response, the Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan sent a summary to the Chief Adviser requesting the cancellation of the de-reservation of 20 acres of forest land in Ramu.
This decision to relocate the BFF Technical Center will help preserve the forest and its ecosystems, said the ministry statement.
