Bangabandhu National Stadium, also known as Dhaka Stadium, is the largest sports arena in Bangladesh, located in the Motijheel area in the heart of Dhaka city. It has a long and rich history of hosting a wide variety of sports events, including cricket, football, hockey, and boxing. The stadium has been renovated multiple times, most recently for the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and has a capacity of 36,000 seats. It was formerly known as Dacca Stadium and was renamed Bangabandhu National Stadium to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation.
The stadium is particularly significant as it is the only venue in the world to have hosted the inaugural home fixture for two Test nations, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The historic Dhaka Derby was held here in the 1980s, which attracted thousands of football fans from all over the country. The Aga Khan Gold Cup, which is considered to be the first organized international competition involving club teams around Asia, was also hosted here regularly.
In addition to its sporting significance, the stadium also has cultural and historical importance. The East Gallery was constructed and a women’s gallery was arranged for the first time in the stadium during the 1978 AFC Youth Championship, which was the first major international tournament hosted by the stadium. The VIP gallery was also redecorated for this event. The stadium also played host to a historic boxing match between Muhammad Ali and a 12-year-old Bengali boy in 1978.
Overall, the Bangabandhu National Stadium is a landmark destination for sports enthusiasts and a significant part of the cultural and historical heritage of Bangladesh.
- History and Significance: Bangabandhu National Stadium was built in 1954 and was originally known as the Dacca Stadium. It was renamed in honor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, in 1998. The stadium has hosted numerous international sporting events and cultural programs and is a symbol of national pride.
- Products and Shops: The stadium has various shops and vendors that sell merchandise and souvenirs related to sports teams and events. You can also find food and beverage stalls during events.
- Local Cuisine: During events, there are several food stalls and vendors selling local cuisine and snacks. The food options include traditional Bangladeshi dishes such as biryani, kebab, samosas, and more.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours of the stadium are available on request. The tours provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the stadium’s facilities and learn about its history and significance.
- Photography Rules: Photography is allowed inside the stadium during events and tours, but it is strictly prohibited during matches and practices.
- Nearby Attractions: There are several attractions near the stadium, including the National Museum of Bangladesh, the Lalbagh Fort, and the Dhakeshwari Temple.
- Recommended Sightseeing Time: The recommended time to visit the stadium depends on the events and activities available. On non-event days, a visit usually takes around 1-2 hours. However, on event days, the duration can vary depending on the event.
- How to Get There: The stadium is easily accessible by taxi, bus, and rickshaw. It is located in the Motijheel neighborhood, which is a central location in Dhaka.
- Things to Do: Visitors can watch sporting events, take guided tours, and explore the stadium’s facilities. They can also enjoy local cuisine and shop for souvenirs during events.
Time of visit to Bangabandhu National Stadium
| Details | |
| Location | Gulistan |
| Address | Banga Bandhu Avenue, Gulistan, Dhaka |
| Hour | Open on event day |
| Entry Fees | Depends on event, and for regular tour there is no entrance fee |
