Bangladesh today promised enhanced security for the Pakistan cricket team during next month's Asia Cup, after political unrest in Dhaka endangered their participation in the regional event.
The Asian Cricket Council last week decided to host the event in Dhaka from February 25-March 8 despite violence and protests in the wake of January 5 national elections, which opposition parties boycotted.
Anti-Pakistan sentiments were also sparked after Islamabad's protest over the execution of Islamic leader Abdul Quader Mollah in December last year.
Protesters burnt Pakistani flags and staged demonstrations at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka.
Officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting yesterday.
"The BCB has assured the PCB of enhanced security measures for their national cricket team during the Asia Cup and security aspects surrounding the Pakistan team's participation was discussed among representatives of Asian nations on the sidelines of the ICC meeting," said a BCB release.
BCB acting chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said the PCB had requested additional security.
