Azad, Lakshmipur Correspondent: The long-awaited construction of the mini stadium in Raipur, Lakshmipur is progressing at a snail’s pace. Although the project, worth Tk 6 crore 51 lakh, was supposed to be completed within nine months, nearly one and a half years have passed with virtually no visible progress. This has caused widespread frustration among local sports organizations and sports enthusiasts.

An on-spot visit revealed that despite a long time passing since the beginning of the project, only sand-filling and leveling work on the field has been completed. The main structures—including galleries, dressing rooms, and boundary walls—show no real progress.

According to the project details, the second phase of the “Mini Stadium Construction” initiative under the National Sports Council had a nine-month deadline. However, locals allege that the contractor, Rafique Construction Company (Pvt.) Ltd., has been working extremely slowly due to negligence.

Local athletes said, “We hoped to get a modern mini stadium by this year. But looking at the progress, it seems we will have to wait for years. There is almost no monitoring by the authorities.” They also claimed to have learned that the contractor is currently in jail due to a family (wife’s) legal case.

Regarding this, Sports Council official Md. Sujon said, “This is how work progresses across the country. I won’t comment on the slow pace; the authorities know best.”

Project engineer Hridoy Hossain said some engineering complications and waterlogging due to low land caused delays. The groundwork is nearly complete, and he claims the rest of the work is being expedited.

Locals believe poor supervision and contractor negligence are the primary reasons for the delay. They have demanded immediate resumption of full-scale work and timely completion of the stadium to revive Raipur’s sports environment and provide healthy recreation for the youth.

Raipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mehedi Hasan Kawsar said, “I am newly appointed. I will inquire into why the construction is progressing slowly.”