Making Bangladesh ‘dance’ to their tune from the stands
DHARAMSALA: On a day when HPCA lost out as the venue to host the marquee India-Pakistan match, it took 18 fans from Bangladesh to liven up the proceedings in a largely empty stadium during the Bangladesh-Netherlands World T 20 qualifier.
The travelling contingent sang: ‘Amra Korbo Joy, Amra Korbo Joy Nischoy,’ (the Bengali version of We shall overcome). Soon the Indian spectators around joined in singing the Hindi version “Hum honge kamyab”.
Travelling under the umbrella of Bangadesh cricket supporters’ association (BCSA), the 18-member contingent is led by 40-year old Tanvir Ahmed, who has been to two football and four cricket World Cups. “I am here more as guide all of them are on their first trip outside the country,” Tanvir, who owns a garment accessory business back in Dhaka and has travelled to 58 countries, said.
“We tried going to Australia but their visa process and expenses were too steep. We entered India through Kolkata and from there took a train to Delhi and then to Pathankot. We are also slated to visit Kolkata and Bangalore,” said Zunaid Murshed Paiker, who helps BSCA and runs an NGO which spreads awareness about hepati- tis. Most in the group are students.
In between the beating of drums and singing Zunaid tells that BCSA has been active in other cricket related activities also. “We just published the autobiography of Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza. Besides we have regular workshops on cricket and have 1.3 lakh members on social media.”