BCB draws hope from Paris incident after Dhaka attack puts England tour in balance

After the attack on a Dhaka cafe put England's visit in the balance, Bangladesh Cricket Board is drawing hope from the Paris incident.

BCB President Nazmul Hassan has promised the highest security for the touring team.

France is currently hosting the European Championship seven months after the country witnessed a series of coordinated terrorist attacks.

England are scheduled to visit Bangladesh for a five-week tour on Sep 30.

After the attack on the cafe in Gulshan 2, which escalated into an unprecedented hostage crisis on Friday night, the England and Wales Cricket Board said it would take its time to assess the situation in Bangladesh over the coming weeks and months.

The ECB said it would follow government instructions with regard to the tour.

Hassan condemned the attack, which left at least 22 people dead, on his return from the International Cricket Council meeting in Scotland on Sunday.

"This is an extremely unfortunate event for Bangladesh. There is no way cricket can escape its consequences," he said.

"I don't have the words to express condolences on behalf of the board. It's unimaginable that something like this can happen in Bangladesh. I still can't believe it.

"I have seen the reaction from England - it is natural. If I was in their position, I would've done the same."

The attacks in France last November included suicide bombings near the Stade de France in Saint-Denis and mass shootings in cafes, restaurants and a music venue in central Paris.

"There are two very important issues here. You can see, although Paris came under attack the games weren't put off. I believe sport will move on in its own pace," Hassan said.

"Besides that, we have three months in hand for the England series. The situation will not stay the same over this period."

"…Whatever the situation, I have always said we have to strengthen our security system. If we can ensure the highest security, sport won't be held up in any country."