The Australian High Commission in Dhaka says it is in “close contact” with both Cricket Australia and the Bangladesh authorities over a decision to delay the Australian cricket team’s tour of Bangladesh.
Published : 27 Sep 2015, 04:01 PM
Cricket Australia on Saturday based the decision on its government’s warning of a potential security risk from militants, a claim that authorities in Bangladesh found ‘baseless’.
The decision surprised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), for it had successfully hosted the World T20 and the Asia Cup early last year amid a volatile political situation.
In a Facebook statement, the High Commission on Sunday said the travel advice for Bangladesh was reissued on Sep 25, advising that “militants may be planning to target Australian interests in Bangladesh”.
But it said the level of the advice had not changed – “it remains at 'Exercise a high degree of caution' (level 2 of 4)”.
The High Commission, however, did not clarify what led to the perception that ‘Australian interests’ were particularly at risk in Dhaka.
When asked, a High Commission spokesperson told bdnews24.com they were not in a position to comment until Monday, when offices reopen after the holidays.
Cricket-frenzied Bangladeshis were looking forward to the world’s top cricket team’s three-week tour to play Tests with Bangladesh for the first time in nearly a decade.
BCB President Nazmul Hassan said he was "surprised" by the Australian decision. "This is very disappointing," he said. "There is no violence in the country.”
Bangladesh Police say they have no “credible information” about any possible attacks and see no risks to Australian citizens currently staying in the country.
DMP Joint Commissioner Monirul Islam said the Australian High Commission in Dhaka had not been in touch with them in this regard.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also termed the fear “baseless”.
Cricket Australia's Head of Security Sean Carroll was due to arrive in Dhaka Sunday to review security issues and make a fresh plan.
BCB’s Media and Communications chief Jalal Yunus remained optimistic.
He told bdnews24.com that the tour would not be cancelled.