Human chain formed to protest abuse

People formed a human chain in Dinajpur yesterday and urged the local administration to shield sportswomen by sacking Abu Samad Mithu, a BCB appointed coach who allegedly molested a female cricketer.

The hour-long human chain, organised by local sports-related institute Khela Ghar, was formed at 11.00am in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office.

Speakers at the human chain criticised Mir Khairul Alam, the Deputy Commissioner of Dinajpur who also serves as the president of the Dinajpur District Sports Association (DSA) for not taking prompt action against the accused.

They also raised questions about the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB's) role.

"We expected the DSA and BCB to take prompt action against the accused, but they mysteriously remained silent," said AK Azad, a human rights activist.

Secretary of Khela Ghar Nurul Motin Saikat alleged that there had been a meeting with the DSA to settle the issue, but instead of cooperation the family of the victim was threated.