BCB draws hope from Paris attack after England tour is put on hold

France is currently hosting the European Championship barely seven months after the country witnessed a series of coordinated terrorist attacks on November 13.

BCB President Nazmul Hassan has promised the highest level of security for the England team who are scheduled to visit Bangladesh for a five-week tour beginning September 30. 

After the Friday night attack on the cafe in Gulshan 2, which escalated into an unprecedented hostage crisis, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it would take its time to assess the situation in Bangladesh over the coming weeks and months. 

The ECB said it would follow government instructions with regard to the tour. Hassan condemned the attack, which left at least 22 people dead, on his return from the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Scotland on Sunday. 

“This is an extremely unfortunate event for Bangladesh. There is no way cricket can escape its consequences,” Hassan was quoted as saying by bdnews24.com on Monday.

“I don’t have the words to express condolences on behalf of the board. It’s unimaginable that something like this can happen in Bangladesh. I still can’t believe it. If I was in their position, I would’ve done the same,” he added.