Outsiders Take Over Comilla University Central Field, Students Left Without a Place to Play

Outsiders are turning up in growing numbers at Comilla University's central playing field. Because outsiders can enter freely and play on a field meant for students, the university students' own sporting activities are being disrupted.

With outsiders occupying a large part of the field, many students cannot play themselves and are left sitting as spectators. There have also been several rounds of arguments between students and outsiders over the issue.

The situation becomes more complicated especially on Fridays and Saturdays. On those days, several teams come from different areas of Comilla city to play on the field.

On-the-spot observation found outsiders beginning to gather on the central field from noon, continuing through the afternoon. Around a hundred people could be seen playing, most of them outsiders. While outsiders were busy playing football on the main part of the field, many university students were seen playing in one corner, while others, getting no chance, passed the time in the spectator rows.

Students complain that the free entry of outsiders is spoiling the field's normal environment. There are also allegations of drug use and unwanted activities on the field. Continued play even in the rain has created holes in several places and damaged the cricket pitch.

Rakibul Islam Jisan, a student of the 16th batch of the Bangla department, said that despite a new boundary wall and warning notice boards on campus, the free entry of outsiders cannot be stopped. He said regular drug sessions and various unethical activities on the central field mean general students cannot play, and sports-loving students are suffering insecurity and frustration.

Jisan also said the university administration had been informed but remained silent. His demands were that a healthy environment for play be restored on the central field, that outsider entry, drug use and unethical activities be stopped immediately, and that strict surveillance at entrances and regular patrols by the proctorial team be ensured.

M H Pias, president of the Kubi Sports Club, said outsiders come to play especially at night and on Friday holidays. Several teams from different areas of Comilla city occupy the field, so general students get no chance. Continued play during rain has created small and large holes and badly damaged the cricket pitch, he said.

Pias requested the university administration to take effective action, saying the field's uneven parts need to be levelled, grass cut regularly, and necessary manpower appointed for overall maintenance.

Monirul Alam, deputy director of the university's physical education department, said regular outsider play was depriving students of opportunities and that students are often seen sitting beside the field. To solve the problem, he said, the administration and proctorial body need quick effective steps and security must be strengthened at campus entrances. A permanent solution is possible through student awareness and everyone's collective cooperation, he added.

The university's proctor, Professor Dr Md Shahadat Hossain, said outsiders come to the field constantly; they come not only from nearby areas but also from the city. These outsiders do not enter through the main gate but mainly use the hall gates, especially the Datta Hall and Bijoy-24 Hall gates. Security guards are therefore being deployed at the hall gates, he said.

The proctor also said new instructions are being prepared so that university students' play on the central field is not disrupted. He also called on students to keep an eye on the matter.