The only open ballfield of Benapole Secondary School — a historic institution in Benapole, home to the country’s largest land port — has long served as the main playground for sports, recreation and cultural activities for local students, children and youths for over a century.

Beyond school-based events, the field plays a vital role in the area’s social and cultural activities.

However, allegations have surfaced that a vested quarter is attempting to take control of the  Traditioal   ballfield by misleading the school’s managing committee president, the municipal administrator and the Sharsha Upazila Administration, with a plan to convert the field into an Eidgah ground.

The move has sparked outrage among local political, social and sports organisations, who see it as a serious threat to the community.

Concerned residents and students have submitted memorandums to the school’s president, the upazila Norbahi officer (UNO) and the assistant commissioner (land), demanding that the initiative to convert the field into an Eidgah be halted and that it be preserved exclusively for sports activities.

On Tuesday night (February 24), former and current students of the school held a press conference at the BNP party office in Benapole.

At the press conference, school president and Sharsha upazila unit convener of Jubo Dal, Mostafiz-Zoha Selim, read out a written statement.

Selim said they had recently learned from reliable sources that the Benapole municipality administrator had taken steps to convert the school play ground into an Eidgah.

If implemented, the decision would deprive thousands of students and young people in the area of opportunities for sports and recreation, hampering their physical and mental development, he said. It would also negatively impact school-based sports programmes and the broader social environment.

The memorandum urged the authorities to take effective steps to keep the ballfield intact as a playground  and immediately suspend any move to convert it into an Eidgah.

As discussions intensified on Facebook, the Fazle Wahid, upazila Nirbahi officer of Sharsha, addressed the issue in a Facebook post.

“Dear residents of Benapole, for the past few days I have noticed several posts on Facebook regarding the Benapole ballfield. Some students of Benapole Secondary School have also submitted a letter to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office. Many are concerned that their beloved field is being converted into an Eidgah, which would mean losing the field and its heritage,” he wrote.

He clarified that a proposal had only been submitted to the municipal administrator and that a site visit was conducted to assess feasibility.

“All stakeholders’ opinions will be taken into consideration. We can hold discussions with students, residents and journalists on Monday (March 2). I request everyone not to be confused. The matter remains at the proposal stage. This field belongs to all of you. A final decision will be made based on your opinions and after ensuring full clarification,” he added.