Reception on hold
![](https://tds-images.thedailystar.net/sites/default/files/styles/big_202/public/feature/images/2015-cricket-world-time_0.jpg)
As the Tigers were all set to travel to Chittagong this morning to attend a reception for their outstanding performance in the World Cup, the Election Commission late last night postponed the programme until the city corporation polls are over in apprehension of violation of electoral code of conduct.
The national cricketers were to travel to the port city amidst mixed reactions on whether attending the reception at the Chittagong Outer Stadium at 3:00pm would provide political mileage to BCB vice-president AJM Nasir Uddin or could hamper their preparations for the home series against Pakistan, which is just over a week away.
Talking to the media, Returning Officer Abdul Baten at the Chittagong EC office at 9:30pm said, "We all are respectful to the achievement of the Bangladesh cricket team. We also want the programme to be held. But if the programme is arranged now, there is a possibility of a showdown by [Awami League-backed mayoral candidate] Nasir that could breach the electoral code of conduct. The programme can be arranged at any time after the elections."
Nasir is the general secretary of Chattagram Jela Krira Sangtha (CJKS) which is one of the organisers of the function along with Bangladesh District and Divisional Sports Organisers Forum and the Chittagong Divisional Sports Association. Nasir on Wednesday spoke at the press conference of the reception programme at MA Aziz Stadium.
The event was scheduled to take place a day before the Bangladesh Cricket Board's own grand reception, which is to take place at Dhaka's Manik Mia Avenue on Saturday. The board planned a reception for the cricketing heroes, who reached the quarterfinals for the first time down under last month, ever since they returned home on March 22 but the delay was due to off the field happenings surrounding AHM Mustafa Kamal, who resigned from the post of ICC president after the controversy surrounding the handing over the World Cup trophy to the champions team.
Comments