Terror and Triumph: Why England Must Tour Bangladesh in 2016

July 1, 2016—a date etched in sorrow for Bangladesh. On the holiest night of Ramadan, the serenity of Dhaka was shattered by an unprecedented act of terror. Five assailants stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, one of the city's most secure and affluent areas, taking hostages and unleashing violence that left the nation grief-stricken. In the aftermath of "Operation Thunderbolt," the standoff ended, but the scars it left on Bangladesh’s collective psyche lingered. 

Just days later, as Bangladesh gathered for Eid prayers at Sholakia, another bomb blast deepened the wounds of an already mourning nation. These events sent shockwaves throughout the world, with repercussions extending beyond immediate security concerns. For Bangladesh, a country with burgeoning ambitions in sports and tourism, the attacks threatened not only safety but also economic progress and national pride. 

A Nation on Edge 

The ripple effects of terrorism were immediate. Foreign investors hesitated, international tourists reconsidered their plans, and Bangladesh's growing reputation as a cricketing destination came under scrutiny. Only a year earlier, Australia had postponed their tour of Bangladesh, citing security concerns after the fatal shooting of an Italian charity worker in Dhaka. The Tigers, brimming with form and optimism, had looked forward to testing themselves against a historically strong side, but the cancellation left them without Test cricket for nearly a year. 

Now, England’s planned 2016 tour hung in the balance. A security delegation from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) visited Dhaka, Chittagong, and Fatullah, inspecting venues, accommodations, and protocols. Despite reassurances from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and government, uncertainty lingered. Would the shadow of terrorism thwart the hopes of millions of Bangladeshi fans once more? 

Sport in the Face of Adversity 

Terrorism is not unique to Bangladesh. France hosted the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament just months after a series of devastating attacks in Paris. In 2008, England toured India despite the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Why, then, should Bangladesh be treated differently? 

As Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh’s inspirational captain, poignantly remarked: “This kind of attack is happening all over the world. There were attacks in France, and still, the Euro was held there. I think it depends on ECB-BCB, what is going on between them. But I think they should come.”

Mashrafe’s words underscore a truth often overlooked: terrorism seeks to sow fear and disrupt life. Allowing such acts to dictate the course of international cricket would hand victory to those who seek to spread chaos. 

Bangladesh: Rising Above Adversity 

Bangladesh is no stranger to resilience. In recent years, the nation has hosted major international tournaments, including the ICC World T20 and the Asia Cup, with flawless security arrangements. These events showcased the country’s ability to ensure the safety of players and fans alike, dispelling doubts about its readiness to host high-stakes games. 

The government’s response to the Gulshan and Sholakia incidents has been decisive. Security measures have been bolstered across the nation, and life in Bangladesh continues with characteristic determination. Foreign investors remain engaged, and tourists, drawn by the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness, continue to visit. 

Cricket, the heartbeat of Bangladesh, has always been a unifying force. The sport transcends divisions and brings people together in ways few other things can. For a country like Bangladesh, where cricket is woven into the fabric of national identity, the game holds an even deeper significance. 

Why England Must Tour 

The stakes of the England tour extend beyond the boundary ropes. For Bangladesh, hosting England would signal a triumph over fear and an affirmation of its place on the global cricketing stage. For England, the tour represents an opportunity to honor the resilience of a nation and contribute to the unifying power of sport. 

Bangladesh is no longer the underdog that once struggled against cricket’s elite. The Tigers have roared onto the world stage, defeating giants like India, South Africa, and Pakistan in recent years. England would face a fiercely competitive side eager to prove its mettle in a bilateral series. 

The tour would also serve as a reminder of cricket’s unique ability to inspire and unite. Where politics often falters, sport succeeds, fostering connections and breaking barriers. In a world plagued by division, cricket can be a force for peace, demonstrating that life—and the game—goes on, even in the face of adversity. 

 A Defiant Answer to Terrorism 

If England tours Bangladesh, it would be a statement of solidarity and defiance against terrorism. It would signal that the world will not cower but instead stand united against those who seek to disrupt peace. The sight of cricket flourishing in Dhaka and Chittagong would not only uplift Bangladeshi spirits but also reinforce the sport’s role as a symbol of hope and resilience. 

As Mashrafe aptly put it, “The sport should continue.” For Bangladesh, for cricket, and for the world, England’s tour would be more than a series of matches—it would be a victory for the human spirit.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar