ZCZC
BSS-51
PM-PRESS-GRAFT 3
Shakib issue:
When her attention was drawn to a media report over the possible ban by ICC on Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, the prime minister said the BCB would remain beside Shakib and extend all possible cooperation to him.
“The bookies usually communicate with the cricketers. But, he (Shakib) didn’t pay much importance when the bookie contacted him, even he didn’t inform the ICC (International Cricket Council) of it. He (Shakib) should have informed ICC instantly and he committed a mistake. In that case, if ICC takes any step, then there is nothing much we could do,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina, however, said since Shakib is a country’s son and made a place in the global cricket arena through his mettle, the BCB would stand beside him.
Answering another question on the recent strike of the cricketers, Sheikh Hasina said that ‘chapter’ has already been closed and that problem does not exist now.
“There are very few countries in the world who support their players the way we support ours,” adding that the cricketers could have informed the BCB of their demands before calling for a sudden strike.
Turning to the arrest of a BCB director over his involvement in casino operations, the premier said such involvement might have been found among the journalists also.
She also raised question why any media did not publish or run a report on casino business in the country although there are many newspapers and TV channels in the country.
“I took up the responsibility and found out the operations of casino in the country and thereafter directed the law enforcement agencies to conduct drive,” she said.
The prime minister also renewed her vow that she wants to run the country peacefully to change the fate of the people and thus improving the living standard of people.
Kolkata Test:
Replying to a query, the prime minister said she is going to join the inaugural function of the second cricket Test between Bangladesh and India in Kolkata following an invitation of newly-elected BCCI President Sourav Ganguly.
“Sourav Ganguly is a Bangalee son … after being elected as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI), he wanted to talk with me. And when I talked to him, he requested me to join the inaugural function of the Test and I accepted it,” she said.
Urging the journalists not to blend the cricket with river issue, the premier said, “I’m going to join the cricket match responding to the invitation of a Bangalee. It is not an invitation from the Indian prime minister or a chief minister,” she said.
Asked whether there will be any “cricket diplomacy” over the Teesta water issue, Sheikh Hasina said she will return home on the same day just after attending the opening ceremony. “Why are you taking cricket to the river?” she joked.
MORE/SAH/GM/SH/BR/2025 hrs