Local people have long occupied the area and the authorities are verifying their right to land and whether anyone needs compensation in the wake of eviction.

The ministry could not estimate the cost of stadium construction because of the occupation.

"The plan outlining budget for the stadium could not be forwarded to the planning ministry because of the occupation of state land. We will lay out the proposal after we get confirmation from DC's office," Sports Secretary Abu Solaiman Chowdhury said.

"We got a proposal for the stadium in Jatrabari, but we are not sure about the status of land," he said.

The decision on Jatrabari Stadium came from the Prime Minister's Office, as local lawmaker Salauddin Ahmed made it a pledge to the electorate during the 2001 general election.

Salauddin suggested about 12 acres for the stadium. State Minister for Sports Fazlur Rahman and Deputy Commissioner MA Momen found the area feasible for a stadium during a recent visit.

"The minister and the DC found it feasible as the stadium needs 10 acres and the road network and position of land are also favourable," the secretary said.

The demand for playgrounds is growing among city dwellers, as the capital is increasingly going crowded and people have hardly any place to roam around, let alone sports.

National players are also demanding better stadium. Bangabandhu Stadium is under renovation for soccer and athletics and Mirpur stadium for cricket.

"Jatrabari stadium is likely to find its place in the next annual development programme," Solaiman said.