Ctg decked up for carnival

While the country trains its eyes on the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka this afternoon for the opening game of the ICC World Twenty20, the country's second-largest city will be feverishly anticipating the arrival of the cricket circus to their city a few hours later. The port city of Chittagong is all set to host the ICC World Twenty20 with the Group A match between Hong Kong and Nepal at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium today.
The city -- abuzz with the influx of tourists, guests, cricket fans and officials of different cricket boards and the ICC -- has undergone a significant facelift to herald the cricket fiesta.
Measures have been taken for smooth traffic movement and security by concerned authorities. The city's main thoroughfares have been refurbished for the occasion. The venue and its surrounding areas have been adorned with colourful decorations. Colourful flags have been hoisted on the three-kilometre stretch of road from Sagorika to the stadium's main entrance while banners depicting the scenic tourist spots of Chittagong have been hung in the stadium's vicinity.
Different models of sampans, palanquins, rickshaws, huts and techniques of fishing by fishermen were also installed at the main entry of the stadium.
Implementing a project of Tk 10 crore from its own fund, Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) has also concluded face-lifting and beautification works. A statue of a horse-rider was installed at Wasa Intersection. Several artificial cascades and billboards highlighting eminent cricketers of the world were also installed at Tiger Pass, Sagorika and GEC Intersection.
CCC Mayor M Manjur Alam said that they have initiated the project -- which is most conspicuous in the sparkling street lighting and decorative electrification -- so that the city's heritage, culture and the cricketing culture of the country could be held up to the world during the tournament.
Footpaths and dividers of the roads were repainted, said the mayor hoping cricket fans would be able to enjoy a fabulous cricket festival in the port city from March 16 to 31.