Anamul Haque, the captain of Bangladesh A, recently expressed deep sadness over the loss of his close friend Akram, who died during the ongoing protests in the country. The wicketkeeper-batsman described Akram as a brother, and said he becomes emotional when he thinks about him.
The student protests in Bangladesh have escalated, fueling widespread unrest and ultimately toppling the government. In the wake of this upheaval, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country, prompting the military to intervene and establish an interim government.
Before traveling to Pakistan to face their A team, the Pakistan Shaheens, Haque expressed that he would not want anyone to endure the suffering his friend experienced.
“My close friend, whom I considered a brother, tragically passed away during the protests. We shared a deep bond, and I’m overcome with emotion whenever I think of him. I wish no one had to endure such devastating loss and trauma. At the time, I was in Chattogram, unable to be with my family in Dhaka. This tragedy has impacted us all in many ways,” stated Haque.
“From 2 to 5 am, I was up, taking care of my child. Concerned, I went outside and saw many people in the streets guarding their property. I’m not sure what they want, but we don’t want to live this way. We simply desire peace and for everyone to have their basic rights. After all, we all work hard and with honesty,” he added.
According to Haque, the upcoming Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan can serve as a diversion for Bangladeshis. His expectation is that their batters will capitalize on the favorable circumstances.
“The game of cricket is emotional. It brings us together. We will benefit greatly from this tour. Conditions there should be suitable for batting in general. It offers each side an opportunity. After a long break, we are also playing tests. I assume, we could provide something positive for everyone,” he remarked.
The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to commence on August 21 in Rawalpindi. In addition, Bangladesh A will face Pakistan A in a series comprising two four-day matches and three one-day fixtures.