'Brave' stories of Bangladesh activists, community leaders 'impress' English cricketers

The touring English cricketers have met some Bangladesh activists to hear their story of turning around.

They joined a roundtable at the British High Commission in Dhaka on Tuesday to learn how the UK's Department for International Development is supporting victims of acid attacks, and contributing to the prevention of further violence.

Acid attack survivor Tahmina Islam from Noakhali spoke about how she has turned into a community leader to prevent violence against women.  

Kabita Biswas survived domestic violence. She recounted how she had attempted to take her own life and been hospitalised. Now she is known as a renowned social activist in Narail.

Van driver Ibrahim Khalid lives in a slum in Dhaka's Kalyanpur. He said he had been a gambler and drug addict and used to take his anger out on his wife. He said now he has turned into an activist against domestic violence and drug abuse in his slum.

Roni Pathok, a girl footballer from Narail, said how her team of 28 girls have been raising awareness against child marriage.

Hearing the stories of the beneficiaries of the UK aid-funded programmes, Englad Test team Captain Alastair Cook said, "We are impressed by your stories. These are the brave stories."

Respondig to Tahmina's query about how the Bangladesh team are doing now, Cook said, "Bangladesh won six consecutive ODI series in home ground.  They have improved a lot in Test cricket, and they fought well in first Test match."

"Hopefully the next and last Test will be competitive also. Because so much talent they have," he added.