BCB to host England-Bangladesh series with watchfulness

The England Cricket Board’s bold decision to send their cricket team to Bangladesh next month was received with mixed emotions by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. England’s ODI team is scheduled to reach Dhaka on 30 September to play the hosts in the three-match series in October, to be followed by two more Tests in Chittagong and Mirpur respectively.

It was an anxious wait for the BCB, fans, players, and journalists on Thursday night and Friday morning when the board was informed of the decision which came along with ECB's media release.

The chief executive of the BCB, Nizamuddin Chowdhury, welcomed the ECB's decision but also said that vigilance during the course of the tour will be very crucial. "We welcome England's decision and we thank the team for their decision," Chowdhury said.

He also briefed about the meetings that were held with the ECB delegation earlier in August to show them the scrutiny plan in details. The Bangladesh government has given assurance about providing the best level of security to the England team. Meanwhile, the England Cricket Board is constantly monitoring the security preparations in Bangladesh to feel assured of a safe tour.

The BCB, in sync with the Bangladesh government, had earlier provided tight security to the teams during the 2014 edition of World T20, which was scheduled soon after a series of election-related violence. Last year when Australia pulled out of their Bangladesh tour, followed by the same decision during the Under-19 World Cup, the teams were provided with extra security in four different cities across Bangladesh.

President of the BCB, Nazmul Hassan said that the board will extend the security to the players' family members, the fans from across the border and also the journalists. The Barmy Army, which had reportedly contacted the BCB with an interest to visit Bangladesh, will also have their visas fast-tracked, as per Hassan.

"The Barmy Army had contacted us and we immediately told the Bangladesh high commission to ensure that their visas aren't delayed. We also asked for a list of those who are coming so that we can help them out."

The security concern over England’s tour of Bangladesh justifiably emerged after an ugly and unfortunate terrorist attack in Dhaka in July and was one of the worst terror attacks in the history or then nation.