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The Sheikh Kamal Krira Complex, a multi-purpose sports facilities project of Abahani Limited, will formally be inaugurated today on the 50th birth anniversary of late Sheikh Kamal, the founder of the popular Dhanmondi-based club.

Elder sister of Sheikh Kamal, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as chief guest will lay the foundation stone of the complex at the Abahani ground in Dhanmondi at 5 pm.

Sheikh Rehana, the youngest sister of Sheikh Kamal, will also attend the ceremony as special guest.

Speaking at a press conference arranged yesterday in connection with the grand opening of the complex, Abahani Limited chairman Salman F Rahman said that Ministers, Members of Jatiya Sangsad including leader of opposition Begum Khaleda Zia, Chiefs of three services, senior government officials, intellectuals, award winners and sports organisers have been invited to attend the programme.

Club directors, Lt Col (retired) Kazi Shahed Ahmed, Harunur Rashid MP, Mostafa Kamal MP, Anjan Chowdhury Pintoo, Anwarul Haque Tareq and Shakhawat Hossain Kallol were present at the press conference.

The complex, which will be built in phases, will have a full-fledged flood-lit 25,000 capacity stadium for cricket and football. It will also provide health club, jogging club, swimming club, gymnasium for badminton, table tennis and squash, tennis and basketball courts and canteen service.

Besides, the complex will also include a first-aid centre with blood bank and a doctor, a market, safety and security arrangements, and parking facilities in its six-storied building.

The initial work of the complex, which will cost 40 crore Taka, will start from November and is expected to end within ten months.

Speaking at the press conference, Salman F Rahman said that the Abahani ground, a piece of 22 bighas of land, has been leased to Abahani on a 99-year contract. He added that the cricket ground will be of international standard and would have all the modern facilities for international cricket matches like that at Sharjah Stadium.

He also said that the club, which has been transformed into Abahani Limited from Abahani Club in 1991, will go for a membership drive soon to raise fund for the complex. He revealed that no donations will be accepted by the club from any government or non-government agencies in this regard.