Australia to be given VVIP security if needed: Kamal

All sorts of security measures will be taken ahead of Bangladesh-Australia Test series, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said today.

“If necessary, the Australian cricket team will be given VVIP security,” the minister told reporters following a meeting with visiting Sean Carroll, head of security of Cricket Australia (CA), at the home ministry this noon.

“Besides, if they have any particular demand that will also be fulfilled,” the home minister said.

Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka Greg Wilcock, European Union Ambassador in Dhaka Pierre Mayaudon, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan Papon, police and detectives were also present at the meeting.

Wilcock said, “I will forward the outcome of the meeting to our government for a final decision in this regard.”

The flight of the Australian players to Dhaka was postponed following a security advice from the Australian government, claiming that they had intelligence of militant groups might target the country’s cricket team in Bangladesh after arrival.

BCB was surprised at the decision that came just days before the visiting team was scheduled to depart for the tour on Monday. The board has asserted that there has been no security alarm and seemed confident that the Test series will continue as scheduled.

Australia was scheduled to play a three-day warm up match against BCB XI on October 3 before beginning two Test match series on October 9 in Chittagong and October 17 in Dhaka.