Dhaka: A plan has been undertaken for constructing a ‘mini stadium’ in every upazila of the country as per a commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

‘The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a project to this end in April 2015 for further development of sports and games in the country,’ State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Shikdar told the House today.

Replying to a question from treasury bench member Tanvir Imam (Sirajganj-4), the state minister said Taka 123 crore has been earmarked for the project and it will be implemented in 490 upazilas.

Biren Shikdar, however, said the execution of the project will commence in every upazila subject to the availability of three acres of government land in the respective upazila.

Responding to a question from women lawmaker Jahan Ara Begum Surma (women seat-32), the state minister said two regional centres of Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP) would be built in Chittagong and Rajshahi under a project titled ‘Establishment of Sports Schools.’

‘Taka 23 crore has been allocated for the project against land acquisition in 2015-16 fiscal year,’ he said.

Biren Shikdar also said Tk 17.96 crore has been earmarked in 2015-16 fiscal year for implementing a project titled ‘Modernisation of Existing Sports Facilities of the BKSP’.

‘Under the project, female hostel of the BKSP would be expanded side by side with development of the (existing) male hostel,’ the state minister said.

Besides, he said, development of academic building and cricket ground would be made, while football turf will be installed under the scheme.