For the people of Magura, Nomani Moydan is more than just a field. It is a symbol of collective memory, emotion, and heritage. Over the decades, countless young boys began their journey on this very ground—some going on to represent the country at national and even international sporting arenas. It has long served as Magura’s only large open space, a venue not just for sports, but also for the city’s largest Eid congregations, political gatherings, national ceremonies, and cultural events. In short, it was the beating heart of the city.

But today, Nomani Moydan is gasping for breath.

While the recent surge of unauthorized street food stalls has visibly overwhelmed the field, the encroachment on this historical ground didn’t begin yesterday. The first steps in its gradual occupation date back over four decades, when the District Auditorium and the Shilpakala Academy were built within its bounds. This was followed by the Shaheed Muktijoddha Memorial, and later the Ansar-VDP Office and Dinanta Club—all of which steadily ate into the field’s open space. What was once a vast playground has been squeezed over the years by one institution after another.

In recent times, the municipal authority attempted to relocate some informal street vendors from crowded city roads to parts of Nomani Moydan in an effort to reduce traffic congestion. Though well-intentioned, the implementation lacked control and vision. What began as a plan to accommodate 10–12 mobile vendors has now turned into a chaotic sprawl of over 50 stalls, some even semi-permanent or double-storied. The field’s borders, the vicinity of the martyr memorial, and even core playing areas have now been overtaken by carts, booths, and waste.

As a result, the once-vibrant playground has become unfit for sports. Young players now struggle to find space. The grass is gone. Garbage piles up—plastic bottles, food wrappers, and leftovers litter the ground. With this deterioration, the physical and mental development of children and adolescents is being stifled, and their connection to the field is slowly severed.

To make matters worse, driving lessons are now being conducted in the field—posing serious safety risks to children. This is not a driving ground; it is meant for play, exercise, and open-air gatherings. Children should be running here, not dodging motorcycles.

To be fair, some vendors argue that the stalls have brought new life to the area after dusk—families now come for food and leisure, and some employment has been generated. But can this justify destroying the last major open space of Magura city? Can the historic soul of the town be traded for temporary gain?

We are not advocating the eviction of all vendors. But a balanced, long-term solution is urgently needed. Authorities should identify specific areas—such as by the Women’s College pond, Gorosthan Road, Dhaka Road’s bridge corners by the Nabaganga River, near the stadium’s open lands, or up to the District Council bungalow gate—where a limited number of mobile stalls can be allowed. These stalls must be strictly movable, to be removed after designated hours. And above all, no shop should be allowed inside the core play area or around the martyr memorial.

The time has come for citizen awareness and collective action. Protecting Nomani Moydan is not just about saving a field—it’s about preserving public breathing space, cultural identity, and the freedom of future generations to play, gather, and grow. The administration must take immediate steps for its conservation. And residents must speak up before it’s too late.

Let Nomani Moydan live.
Let the city breathe.
Let our culture, childhoods, and community thrive—together.