Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan on Thursday visited the newly renovated Akbaria Eidgah ground in Mirpur and directed authorities to remove illegal fish markets and other encroachments around the area to keep it clean and accessible to the public.

The renovation work of the ground was carried out at a cost of over Tk 1.28 crore under DNCC’s Environment, Climate and Disaster Management Circle.

As part of the renovation, the drainage system has been improved, a 260-metre walkway constructed, a security fence and multiple entry gates installed, street lights set up, and dustbins placed.

The upgraded facility can accommodate around 7,000 worshippers for Eid prayers at a time. Provision has also been made for offering funeral prayers.

During the visit, the DNCC administrator said the field held personal significance for him.

“Many of my childhood memories are associated with this field. It is also linked with my political life. We are determined to develop it into a clean, beautiful and safe space,” he said.

He said illegal fish markets were being set up around the ground without permission, causing environmental pollution, bad odour and public suffering.

“From today, no illegal raw market, fish market or food court will be allowed to occupy the sidewalks around this field. I have given instructions in this regard, and concerned officials will implement them with local cooperation,” he added.

The administrator also said the ground would remain open throughout the day for public use, especially for children’s sports and recreation.

He said necessary sports equipment would be provided by the city corporation if required, adding that sports and physical activity were essential to keep young people away from drugs and crime.