Cricket fever in parliament

The bell at the lobby of the Jatiya Sangshad was ringing unceasingly yesterday, like every other day, to get the attention of lawmakers to join the day's session.

But none of the lawmakers would listen to it as everyone was glued to the television screen at the lobby to see the Tigers fighting against England Lions in Australia's Adelaide Oval to earn a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.

The chief whip and whips repeatedly requested the MPs to go to the House so that the quorum could be met. The session finally started at 5:15pm, half an hour later than the schedule.

Land Minister Shamsur Rahman Sharif Dilu discussed the president's speech at the beginning of the session. But many lawmakers were busy with browsing the cricinfo website on their mobile phones for match updates.

There was a pin-drop silence in the House when the match was on a knife-edge in the 48th over. Stuart Broad of England slammed a six and Tamim Iqbal dropped a simple catch to reprieve Woakes. England needed just 16 runs off 12 balls to win.

Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, who chaired the session, cautioned the lawmakers that they cannot pay attention to anything else other than parliamentary affairs during a session as per the rules of procedure of parliament.

When Rubel Hossain disturbed the off stump of Stuart Broad at the start of the 49th over and bowled Jimmy Anderson two balls later to end England's woeful World Cup campaign in the first round, the land minister in a cheering voice greeted the Tigers. Legislators started clapping and thumping the table to congratulate the Bangladesh cricket team.

The deputy speaker did not miss out on the chance to greet the Tigers. “Congratulations to them on behalf of parliament.”

Later, several ministers and MPs thanked the Bangladesh team for its historic victory.

“Bangladesh has created a history. By winning the match against England, the team has improved the country's image. People are proud of our Tigers,” said State Minister for Sports Biren Sikder.