DHAKA: Banglalink, the country’s 2nd largest mobile operator Saturday announced the appointment of world famous cricket all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as its new brand ambassador.

The top-ranked all-rounder in the world and the pride of Bangladesh was announced as Banglalink’s Brand Ambassador at a press conference.

Shakib will actively take part in Banglalink’s promotional activities and will work to highlight the company’s image. Ziad Shatara, CEO of Banglalink announced the news, at the city’s Westin Hotel.

Also present from Banglalink were, Shihab Ahmad, Chief Commercial Officer, Yasser Abdel Hakim, Chief Financial Officer, Perihane Elhamy, Chief Technology Officer, Solaiman Alam, Marketing Director and other senior officials of the company.

CEO of Banglalink Ziad Shatara said: “Banglalink is proud of this association, two tigers joining hands together to start something new. Cricket is big in Bangladesh – from little children in back alleys to the professional stars in the fields, everyone here plays or loves watching cricket. We are proud that Shakib will be representing Banglalink as its brand ambassador.”

This initiative is on a truly grand scale, with none other than the man Bangladesh loves and celebrates with. Cricket is a passion instilled in the hearts of all Bangladeshis. Banglalink’s association with Shakib will go a long way in creating bondage with the people of Bangladesh.

Shakib Al Hasan born 24 March 1987 is a Bangladeshi international cricketer. He is an all-rounder batting left-handed in the middle order and bowling slow left-arm orthodox.

From January 2009 to April 2011 and again from March 2012, Shakib was ranked first amongst ODI all-rounders by the ICC. In December 2011, he became the world`s top-ranked Test all-rounder.

He is currently placed second at ICC Test Championship All-Rounder Rankings, second at ODI Championship All-Rounder Rankings and fourth at ICC T20I All-Rounder Rankings. Shakib was named The Wisden Cricketer`s "Test Player of the Year" in November 2009.

Shakib is Bangladesh`s highest wicket taker in test matches. He is considered to be the best cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced.

Banglalink is the 2nd largest mobile telecom operator in Bangladesh, with around 29 million subscribers, and a subsidiary of Netherlands based Vimpelcom Ltd.

BDST: 1832 HRS, FEB 01, 2014