Youngsters are returning to sports on the turf in Rajshahi, which has become a new entertainment center
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People would pay money to rent a field and play—an idea that seemed ‘unrealistic’ to many in Rajshahi even a few years ago. However, with the passage of time, that perception has changed. Five artificial turf fields have been built in a span of just two years, the popularity of which has grown so much that, in many cases, pitches have to be booked 10 to 15 days in advance.
On the north side of Rajshahi city, Nader Haji intersection is the rural environment between the road from Bihas to Bimanchatwar. There are five turf fields between 300 and 400 meters. As soon as the afternoon falls on the illuminated artificial grass field, various games including football and cricket accumulate. Sometimes the game goes on till dawn. The fields become lively with the noise of all ages including teenagers. Now the turf is not just a place to play, it has become an entertainment center. Various facilities including swimming pool, restaurant have been built around the turf.
Turf players and entrepreneurs say that the generation immersed in mobile phones is now returning to the field. They are rushing to play on the turf by forming a team with their friends. Their physical and mental health is good. Also staying away from drugs. Earlier, the turf was made for university students, but now people of all classes come to play on the turf.
Even two to three years ago, turf was an almost unknown concept in Rajshahi. The hope of the game was the open field. But the fields were decreasing day by day. Turf-culture started from that void. In the beginning, many were skeptical about the matter. However, with the passage of time, that perception has changed. Now Turf has become one of the entertainment centers of the city.
A group of Rajshahi youth plans to make turf in 2024. He leased a low-lying land at Nader Haji intersection in the city and filled it with soil. In December of that year, the first turf field, 110 feet long and 76 feet wide, was inaugurated. Entrepreneurs claim that this is the first turf field in Rajshahi and the northern region. Then, in October 2025, a larger field measuring 140 by 95 feet was opened, built to FIFA standards. In the continuation of their success, more turf has been developed around.
Sarkar Shamim Ahmed, the entrepreneur of Rajshahi Turf, said that with the development of infrastructure, the field has decreased in the city. From that thought they started Turf. In the beginning, many did not understand this. But they believed that if a good environment is created, people will come.
You only have to buy slots in the turfs by paying a certain amount of money. After coming to the field at a certain time, the turf authorities provide all the equipment for the game. Even if someone is injured in the field, he is given first aid.
Being in charge of the management of Rajshahi Turf. Mahi told Prothom Alo that two teams should be brought here. Hand gloves, aprons, footballs and other materials are provided from here. As the field is good, injuries are very less. Still, all the first aid measures are kept.
Indoor Park Turf manager Mohammad Sajib Islam said, “The current generation is more addicted to mobile phones. We want to bring them back to the sport. Various types of sports including football, cricket, badminton, table tennis have been kept here, so that everyone gets encouraged by seeing each other.
Last March 24 at 9:30 pm. The largest turf field in the city is playing a great game. The spectators inside the field are rioting. 70 people are cooking right outside. The purpose is to eat and drink together after the game. They came from Hat Ramchandrapur village of Paba upazila.
Tariq Hossain of that party said, ‘We came about 70 people. After the game, food will be served here. We rented two slots, meaning three hours, a few days ago. Four teams are playing. Just came here for fun and games. This football is also mixed with the joy of Eid. Here the cost is not the main thing, the joy is big.
Middle-aged Shoaib Ali is a businessman by profession. He was also playing in the field with the youth of the area. Shoaib Ali said, ‘Many of our children come here. Those who were previously associated with addiction. Because of the game they are freed from addiction. The field here is very good. Young people are showing interest for this, we are also encouraging.
On another turf, a group of 16 people rented the field for an hour and a half. Cost sharing does not add up to much per capita. Young Abir Hasan said, “We regularly come to play with money. Both body and mind are good in it.
Employees of a showroom in Rajshahi play on the turf every Thursday. He came to Turf on Tuesday due to his busy schedule during Eid. Everyone shared the money. One of them, Yasin Arafat, said, “We are very busy six days a week. I have time to play only one day. After playing for one day, the mind is very fresh.
The founder of Play Land Turf thinks that the popularity of turf is increasing due to the lack of entertainment space in Rajshahi. Zahid Hasan. He told Prothom Alo, “We are planning to build a field on a larger scale, so that more people have the opportunity to play sports.”
Being on one side of the city, once Nader Haji Mor was a quiet village. A few years ago, a bypass road was constructed through the area. Since then the area has changed. Gradually there are various food shops. The area has undergone a radical change since the introduction of turf. Many do business here overnight.
Md. Nader ran a tea shop at Haji intersection for 11 years. Salim. Earlier he used to sell tea only during the day. Now many people outside the area drink tea. His business has been going well for two years. Salim said, “There was nothing at this intersection before.” There was an empty field. Later the road is made through the bill. As there is a playground here, business has increased. Business is done from two to three in the night.
Source: Prothom Alo Bangla
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