The iconic Bangabandhu Stadium in Bangladesh, which hosted the grand opening ceremony of the ICC 2011 ODI World Cup, will be known as the National Stadium, Dhaka. The venue was once home to historic cricketing moments and other sports. According to a Bangladeshi daily, "Prothom Aalo," the change was announced by Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus. This marks the first instance of an international-standard stadium being renamed under the new administration. Aminul Islam, secretary of the National Sports Council, confirmed the decision through an official notification. The move has sparked widespread discussions, especially given the stadium’s deep-rooted connection with Bangladesh’s cricketing journey. The stadium witnessed Bangladesh's first-ever Test match against Pakistan in 2000. The stadium also hosted the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy (presently Champions Trophy) and witnessed the grand opening of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, where captains arrived in cycle rickshaws. It was this stadium where Sourav Ganguly played a 124-run innings while chasing a record 315 runs against Pakistan in the Independence Cup final in 1988. Apart from cricket, it hosted the great boxer, Mohammad Ali, in 1978 for a friendly match. Once a fortress for cricket, the stadium later transitioned into a football and athletics venue. Over the decades, it became a symbol of Bangladesh’s rise in international sports. Read also: MS Dhoni's Stunning Advice to Ashwin in 2013 Champions Final Political Winds Bring Change to Bangabandhu Stadium The renaming of the stadium follows a significant political transition in Bangladesh. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5 paved the way for the interim administration. Under this new leadership, several landmarks linked to the previous regime are undergoing changes, with this stadium being the latest in line. Since Hasina’s exit, numerous buildings and institutions carrying the ‘Bangabandhu’ title have either been renamed or removed. The most controversial development came when the former Prime Minister’s residence in Dhanmondi, steeped in historical significance, was demolished on February 5. Critics see this as an attempt to erase the past, while supporters of the new government claim it is part of a broader restructuring effort. The renaming of the stadium has ignited debates in both political and sporting circles. Many wonder whether this is simply a name change or a deeper attempt to reshape Bangladesh’s sporting and historical narrative. One thing is certain—the echoes of cricketing glory remain, even as the name on the board changes.