Cricketers' show of solidarity with ailing goalkeeper
Bangladesh's national cricketers yesterday paid a visit to former Mohammedan goalkeeper Ekramul Bashar Tuhin, who has been battling stomach cancer for the past three months.
53-year-old Ekramul, who is the elder brother of former national captain Habibul Bashar, represented Mohammedan and Bangladesh in the Asian Club Cup and played for Bangladesh Police, East End Club, Farajganj, Arambagh and Dhanmondi Club during his prime.
Tigers captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, along with Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Taskin Ahmed visited Ekramul at his residence and spent some time with him.
It was a gesture which, according to Habibul Bashar, lifted his elder brother's spirit in desperate times.
“He has been undergoing chemotherapy for the last three months and was mentally down after the first phase. After the national cricketers visited him, he seemed a lot happier and more confident in his fight.
“It was something that I could sense. And at this point of time, this is what he requires most -- confidence,” Bashar told The Daily Star on Sunday night.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mashrafe, Tamim and Mushfiqur requested everyone in the sports arena to show solidarity.
“I request the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the Bangladesh Football Federation and the Bangladesh Olympic Association to come forward and support him. He has given a lot to Bangladesh's sports and as sportspersons, it's our responsibility to support him. The national cricketers are beside him.
“He has played for Mohammedan for quite a few years and I hope the club support him because the club generally does many good things,” said Mashrafe.
On a similar note Tamim said: “Sports is one arena that brings plenty of happiness to the people of Bangladesh and today one of them is suffering. I request people to help in any way possible.”
In the same vein, Mushfiqur asked everyone to pray for the former footballer.
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