PM bestows 2 crore reward

Prime Minister Shekih Hasina announced yesterday that she would give Tk two crore to the Bangladesh cricket team for their outstanding performances in the recently concluded World Cup and series against Pakistan.

"The Bangladesh team will receive Tk one crore for their excellent performance in the World Cup, and another crore for the 'Banglawash' of Pakistan in the ODI series and victory in the lone T20 match," announced Hasina, a diehard cricket fan.

The announcement came at a reception she accorded to the Bangladesh cricket team at her official residence, Ganabhaban.

She also said she would provide a car for every player who had not received one previously and accommodation for the whole team.

"I've asked the officials concerned to look for a good place and we will construct a building there and provide the players with flats," Hasina said.

The Prime Minister termed the cricket players the 'golden boys' of Bangladesh. "You're the golden boys of the country and we are all proud of you," she said, adding that the team played like 'true Bengal Tigers'.

She also wished the team well in their Test series against Pakistan.

"We have won the ODI series and T20I against Pakistan. Inshallah, we will win the upcoming Test match against Pakistan too."

As part of the development of sports in the country, the Prime Minister said the government would build another stadium in the city equipped with modern facilities, including removable pitches.

She said there would also be another big stadium in Cox's Bazar.

After the construction of the Padma Bridge, she said the government has a plan to construct an Olympic Village on the other side of the bridge where a modern cricket stadium will be built.

Putting emphasis on attracting youngsters to sports, she said the government has started constructing stadiums in all districts, and that there would be mini-stadiums in all upazilas for the development of all sorts of sports.