DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) accorded the national cricket team a ceremonial reception on Saturday for their outstanding performances in the ICC World Cup 2015.

Thousands of people, from all walks of life, participated in the ceremony that kicked off around 5:00pm at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad.

All the cricketers but Shakib Al Hasan and Sabbir Rahman of the World Cup squad were present in the ceremony. Sabbir failed to participate due to his father’s illness while Shakib is now in India for playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

BCB president Nazmul Hasan Papon along with other BCB directors attended the reception.

Thousands of people cheered when the cricketers and coaching staff came on stage.

Finance minister AMA Muhith, state minister for home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Jatiya Sangsad deputy speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia and state minister for sports Sri Biren Sikder, among others, were present at the ceremony.

Bangladesh Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, Bangladesh Olympic Association, Cricketers Welfare Association, Bangladesh Football Federation and the business communities welcomed the cricketers by handing over floral wreaths to them.

Besides, Dhaka University vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Rakibul Hasan, on behalf of former captains of national cricket team, Salman F Rahman on behalf of business community, AKM Shahidul Haque and police commissioner Asaduzazman Khan on behalf of Bangladesh Police, RAB DG Benazir Ahmed and Colonel Zia and Quazi Nabil MP also welcomed the cricketers.

Moreover, BCB arranged a concert where Miles, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Arthohin and Warfaze performed.

BDST: 2136 HRS, APR 11, 2015