Summary
18 March 2009
The Bangladesh government has postponed the tour by the Pakistan cricket team because of security concerns following a mutiny by soldiers last month which left more than 70 dead.
Reporter:
Mark Dummett
Listen
Click to hear the report
Summary
The Pakistan cricket team had been due to tour Bangladesh this month, but the government here now believes that following the revolt by paramilitary border guards, it cannot ensure its safety.
The Sports Minister said that the tour had been suspended for the time being because the law enforcement agencies were busy hunting the mutineers who managed to escape. At least 56 senior officers were killed in the mutiny by soldiers of the Bangladesh Rifles. Several hundred are still on the run and there are fears some may still have guns.
The army has stepped up security at about a dozen strategic buildings in Dhaka including the official residence of the Prime Minister. The Sports Minister said that it is not possible therefore for the government to provide foolproof security to the touring side. The government has also put on hold all other tours by foreign sports teams.
The decision is another blow to cricket in South Asia. Two weeks ago, the Sri Lankan team was attacked by gunmen on their way to a match in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
Listen
Click to hear the words
Vocabulary
Show All | Hide All
- revolt
- cannot ensure its safety
- had been suspended
- the time being
- the law enforcement agencies
- hunting the mutineers
- on the run
- foolproof security
- put on hold
- another blow
