Cricket Australia postponed the scheduled visit of Australian Cricket team to Bangladesh on the plea of security alerts they received from ASIO and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The alert stated about terrorists possible attack on Australian interest in Bangladesh. CA sent its security chief to Dhaka. He had meetings with Home Minister and chiefs of different security agencies.

Even the assurance for the highest level of security protection by Bangladesh Government was not considered enough. At a matter of coincidence, an unfortunate incident happened in Gulshan of Dhaka. An Italian National working in a Netherland NGO was murdered.

USA and UK also announced security alerts for its citizens movement in Bangladesh. There were genuine expectations that Australian government would positively respond to the assurances of Bangladesh Government and keep the cricket tour going. But announcement of CA shocked and dismayed the cricket community of Bangladesh.

We are not aware exactly what type of threats is on Australian Citizens or Australian interest in Bangladesh. This writer works with DFAT in Monash and RMIT University managed capacity development program for Bangladesh Energy & Power Sector Officials. Last January-February during the political troubles of Bangladesh, we were in Dhaka with senior Australian academicians and government officials. We could move safely in Dhaka for different meetings.

 People of all walks of life was so hospitable to Australians. The law and order situation even at that time was well within control of the government excepting some isolated incidents here and there.

The situation over the last few months is much improved. Moreover, there has been no single incident in the playground or anywhere a foreign player came under attack or threat in Bangladesh. The country very successfully organized ICC world Cup, T20 world cup, Asia Cup and many bilateral cricket series.

 Even this year Bangladesh hosted bilateral series against Pakistan, India and South Africa. Cricketers in Bangladesh are celebrities and get VVIP attention. In summary cricket and cricketers have no cause of concern at all In Bangladesh.

On the backdrop of above the hasty decisions of CA postponing the much expected cricket tour merits deep analysis and assessment.

Even the Australian Cricket team we have heard were very keen for visiting Bangladesh. The statements of head coach and Captain evidence that. Such retired captain Michael Clark and Ex Captain Alan Border also felt sorry about it. Even in the mail to BCB, CA CEO said sorry to Bangladesh Cricket Community.

We can conclude the postponement was more due to regional and geo political reasons other than cricket. The Australian team was due to arrive in Dhaka on 28 September 2015. Muslims in Bangladesh were observing Eid Festival on 25 September.

Even the cricket gears of the team were sent to Bangladesh in advance. Australian High Commissioner even invited many including this writer for a Dinner party in Dhaka he planned for the Australian team. CA reportedly suddenly received advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about possible terrorist attack on Australian interest in Bangladesh.

What might have developed suddenly? Many questioned whether BCB decision of sending the Bangladesh Women’s team to Pakistan could antagonize some cricket super power.  Could it trigger rival opposition political parties for giving wrong signals to the world about the situation in Bangladesh? Till 25 September it was all peaceful everywhere. Citizens were enjoying their festival. Suddenly the disturbing news of CA putting on hold the cricket tour rocked Bangladeshi policy makers.

While the CA security Chief was in Dhaka, an Italian citizen was murdered in Gulshan area by miscreants. This can definitely termed as an isolated incident. Such acts of crimes happens regularly even in the developed countries. Only yesterday, criminals killed two in front of Police Head Quarter at Parramatta in Sydney. Grumman killed nine people in a state of USA.

Many observers blamed irresponsible politicians talking loose about existence of terrorist groups in Bangladesh. Few even referred to an article published in a leading US daily “Unmasking the Terrorist in Bangladesh.” But the reality was that the prevailing law and order situation in Bangladesh did not warrant a state of insecurity for foreign nationals in Bangladesh at all.

The security chief of Cricket Australia had useful meetings in Dhaka. He was given assurance of state level security for the Australian team in Bangladesh. He went back and submitted report. But suddenly came the CA decision of postponing the tour.

When all these were happening, Bangladesh Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were in New York attending UN annual events. Prime Minister is an ardent cricket follower. She is returning to Bangladesh today. We are sure she will take stock of the situation. Her personal interception will definitely assist in BCB and CA reviewing the situation and reversing the CA decision soon.

Bangladesh is a sports loving country. Cricket is a uniting force in Bangladesh. 2015 is a golden year for cricket. The country made tremendous strides in the world cricket arena especially in the ODI version of the game. Mashrafe squad won the heart of common Australians. Every Australian admired Bangladeshi cricketers after they knocked out Australia’s traditional rival England from world cup.

 Australian cricket have strong fan base in Bangladesh. Naturally, Bangladeshis were looking forward to a very interesting test series. It could be competitive as well. Australia following the retirement of several key players after the Ashes reverse is in a rebuilding mission. This series is as important to Australia as Bangladesh. We are sure Australian young team was looking forward to it.

Well the time is not yet gone. CA and BCB can still engage proactively to make a fresh schedule and the tour can go ahead. There is still a week to the first test. If necessary, another week can be added to the series and both the matches can be held in Dhaka. If necessary Prime Ministers of Australia and Bangladesh can talk.

Bangladesh is one of the safest countries in South Asia. Many foreigners are living and working in a very safe and friendly environment. Isolated incidents of deadly crimes happen in many countries including USA and Australia. These does not mean that all are the acts of organized terrorists. We are not sure that the decision of CA is purely from security concerns ?

Cancellation of the tour may leave a lasting impact on bilateral relations of the two friendly countries. Neither Australia nor Bangladesh would like that to happen. Bangladesh High Commission in Australia should also be a more proactive. It has to remain alert that there is no propaganda from ill motivated section of Non-Resident Bangladeshis creating image issues of Bangladesh in Australia .

Bangladesh is going to host Australian Soccer Team (Socceroos) in November. The ICC under 19 world cup will be in Bangladesh in early 2016. DFAT is partnering with different ministries of Bangladesh in many areas. We hope that the cricket tour will be weighed in the context of excellent bilateral relation of the two governments.

Bengal tigers are waiting eagerly to welcome Kangaroos in Bangladesh.

BDST: 1031 HRS, OCT 03, 2015
RS