The Ministry of Youth and Sports has initiated formal measures to address the prolonged delays surrounding the construction of a residence for Ritu Porna Chakma, the two-time SAFF Championship-winning forward. The Minister of State for Youth and Sports, Md. Aminul Haque, has prioritised the resolution of these administrative complications, directing a specialised delegation to Rangamati to conduct an on-site assessment. Despite being on an official diplomatic visit to Turkey, the Minister of State mandated the dispatch of this fact-finding mission to investigate the specific reasons why the construction has failed to commence despite years of commitments.
The delegation, which included the Minister of State’s Press Secretary, S.M. Ashraf, and a senior official from the National Sports Council (NSC), met with the athlete’s family members. The primary objective of the visit was to ascertain the ground realities and identify the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have stymied the progress of the housing project, which was promised in recognition of her significant contributions to Bangladeshi football.
Administrative Impediments and Land Settlement Issues
Following a high-level meeting with the local administration, the delegation engaged with the Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati, Nazma Ashrafi. According to S.M. Ashraf, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the district administration remains fully prepared to execute the construction phase. However, the entire process has reached a standstill due to intricate complications regarding land settlement and legal titling.
The timeline of the case reveals that in March 2025, the government formally allocated 12 decimals of khas land (government-owned land) to Ritu Porna Chakma. The footballer had personally inspected the site and approved the location at that time. Nevertheless, reports indicate that she has yet to receive physical possession of the plot. This lack of occupancy is attributed to the absence of requisite clearance from the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, which holds jurisdiction over land administration in the region. Without this specific ministerial approval, the district administration is legally unable to handover the land or commence infrastructural development.
Government Commitment and Next Steps
The visiting delegation has assured that a comprehensive report, detailing all findings and identified obstacles from the Rangamati visit, will be submitted to the Minister of State for Youth and Sports upon his return. This report will serve as the basis for inter-ministerial coordination to expedite the necessary approvals.
Ritu Porna Chakma has been a pivotal figure in the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, particularly in their back-to-back triumphs at the SAFF Women’s Championship. Her performance on the international stage has made her a prominent sporting figure in the country. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has reiterated its stance that the nation’s distinguished athletes must receive the honours and facilities promised to them without undue bureaucratic hindrance.
The current intervention aims to bridge the gap between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the local district administration, and the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. By resolving the land titling issue, the government intends to fulfil its pledge to provide a secure residence for the footballer and her family in her home district. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has indicated that the Minister of State will take decisive action based on the delegation’s report to ensure the construction begins as soon as the legal hurdles are cleared, thereby changing the standard of living for one of the country’s most successful female athletes.