Bangladesh ODI and T20I skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza is all set to become the first ever Bangladeshi to be appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

A press release from the UNDP stated that the appointment will be made official on Thursday following a signing ceremony.

“UNDP Bangladesh will appoint Mr. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza as the UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Youth in Bangladesh,” the press release stated.

When contacted, Mashrafe said that he had received the proposal a month ago and that a number of meetings regarding the issue had been conducted. The player was extremely excited to receive the opportunity.

Mashrafe has been selected as the UN considers him to be an inspirational figure for the youth of Bangladesh. The skipper played leading roles in a number of historical wins for the Bangladesh national cricket team last year.

The UN has enlisted the volunteer services and support of prominent personalities from the worlds of art, music, film, sport and literature to highlight key issues and to draw attention to its activities.

Over the years, many Olympians, World Champions, elite athletes and sports personalities have lent their names and time to support the UN family. Their mass appeal especially helps in motivating people to act in the interest of improving their own lives and those of their fellow citizens. These individuals are given the title of Goodwill Ambassador, Messenger of Peace, Special Representative, Champion for Sport or other status depending on the UN entity who has appointed them.