No anti-government agitation during Wills Cup (3 October 1998)

3 October 1998

No anti-government agitation during Wills Cup

by Zahid Newaz in Dhaka

Political agitation is a very common phenomenon in Bangladesh. But no such demonstration will take place during the Wills International Cup Cricket in Dhaka later this month.

The green signal of not holding demonstration during the knock-out world cup came from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) when country's politics again turned into a hot span. BNP activists clashed with police and damaged vehicles in downtown Dhaka on Wednesday over the arrest of three politicians nabbed for their alleged involvement in killing of four national leaders inside the central jail in 1975.

But, BNP leaders as well as Jatiya Party, the third largest party in parliament, have made assurances that such demonstration or "hartal" (general strike) will not be enforced during the 10-day tourney.

Their assurance came following a request by State Minister for Sports Obaidul Kader at a meeting of Parliamentary Standing committee on Youth and Sports on Wednesday.

Elaborating preparations of the mini-world cup involving all the nine test playing nations, he said the tournament will be profitable one for the country.

"Question may come on holding the greatest cricketing show in the country specially after the devastating flood. But reality is different," he said.

"It will bring both image and money. The gate-money will also be donated to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the flood victims," the minister told the meeting.

After discussion on the Wills International Cup, the opposition lawmakers not only assured of not going for any street demonstration, but also gave assurance for cooperation to make the tournament a grand success.

"... A unique commitment from the opposition for national interest," was the main headline of sports page of popular Bangla tabloid Manab Zamin following the announcement.

From: CricInfo365 (www.cricinfo365.com)

Source :: CricInfo