Whatmore's brother-in-law, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour few months ago, passed away on Friday in Melbourne. The coach is not expected to return for the second Test against the West Indies in Jamaica starting June 4 as he will be attending the funeral.

In Whatmore's absence, the squad's operations manager and chief selector Faruque Ahmed will play the part of coach. It would be the second time in less than a month that the former national captain is going to take on additional responsibility.

Faruque was entrusted with the manager's role after Lt Col (retd) MA Latif Khan had to pull out of the trip due to illness before the Tigers left Bangladesh.

Captain Habibul Bashar said that Whatmore's absence will be felt by the team but they would try to carry on the process he initiated.

"It's a very emotional and sad moment for him (Whatmore). So we realise his importance of staying close to his family. We are all very sorry for him.

"As for the cricket, we are all professionals and I think we have to prove that in Jamaica. The strategy remains the same and he has already put everything in place in terms of what our job is. I think we are all matured enough and experienced enough to handle the situation," said Bashar.