The
winter season in Bangladesh
has always been very festive. It is further made charming by various cultural
activities. During the wintertide, life in Bangladesh
is very rhythmic, and one can sense the gala mood in the environment. But this
year, the season has been somewhat dismal! The charming rhythm is missing among
the people of Bangladesh .
People are gripped with despondency.
The
reason behind this despondency is the prevailing political deadlock which
started last year and has still remained unsolved. Time and again this
lugubrious situation has disturbed the Bangladeshis’ normal pattern. Two major
political parties in Bangladesh
are too rigid in their respective views regarding the caretaker government
issue and thus their big egos led to massive unrest last year, to trigger a
fear factor among the citizens, from which they are still suffering. The
holding of the 10th national elections without the main opposition in January 5, 2014 , will make the crisis
situation worse in the upcoming days.
Day-to-day
strikes, torching of vehicles, clashes between the mob and the police
department, etc. is not a pleasant picture for a Bangladeshi and for the rest
of the world. Such a complex situation is affecting the business and trade,
education, banking sector and so on, in the country. And obviously, Bangladesh
cricket is facing the heat as well.
Even
though the BCB managed to convince the ICC inspection team, the risks didn’t
ebb away as the continuing political turmoil has made the situation muggier
than ever. Bangladesh’s chances of hosting two major tournaments was dented,
when the touring West Indies U-19 team packed their baggage in the middle of
the tour, citing security reasons as a cocktail blasted in front of their hotel
last year.
Negative
voices rose to deny Bangladesh
from hosting the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 and amongst those negative voices,
Pakistan ’s
voice was heard louder. It’s not a surprise that Pakistan
would raise its voice against Bangladesh ,
as not so long ago Bangladesh
too stepped back from touring Pakistan
citing security reasons. Even though at the start, the then BCB chief did
ensure PCB that they would tour Pakistan ,
he twisted his attitude later and thus a very good relationship with Pakistan
soared.
In
my opinion, the board should have never raised the hopes of a tour taking place.
How could you dare to ensure the possibilities of such a sensitive tour? And
then how could you change your stance so easily? Such attitude is always
unwelcome. However, It has come as a
relief for Bangladesh
now, with Pakistan
agreeing to tour the country keeping aside the bitter feelings between the
sides.
One
must not forget New Zealand ’s
tour of Bangladesh
last year. Even when Bangladesh ’s
political environment was volatile, but still the tour ended smoothly without
any uneventful occurrence.
Thankfully,
the venue for the Asia Cup has stayed back in Bangladesh .
Thankfully, Pakistan
too are participating. But before the Asia Cup or the World Twenty20, Bangladesh ’s
biggest challenge is hosting the series against Sri
Lanka in the months of Jan-Feb. The security
arrangement is satisfactory, but you never know when ugliness may show up! The
politicians must lessen their political volatility and tricky-games. Cricket is
the heart and soul of Bangladesh
and the major catalyst behind the national unity. One unwanted incident is
enough to destroy everything. It will leave the common Bangladeshis doleful and
disquieted.
The
encouraging part is that the leader of the opposition Begum Khaleda Zia has
ensured her full-support regarding these two events. A positive gesture indeed,
but this should not just be a word. Let sense and sensibility prevail among our
politicians.
Note: This article has been published on Sportskeeds on 17/01/2014 Asia Cup 2014: Let sense and sensibility prevail among the politicians of Bangladesh
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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