Bangladesh PM Hasina cries tears of joy after historic win against Pakistan

Bangladesh’s blistering victory over Pakistan that sealed their place in the final of the Asia Cup has left Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina crying tears of joy.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina bursts into tears of joy on Wednesday as Bangladesh exorcised Pakistan demons to reach Asia Cup final. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina bursts into tears of joy on Wednesday as Bangladesh exorcised Pakistan demons to reach Asia Cup final. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina bursts into tears of joy on Wednesday as Bangladesh exorcised Pakistan demons to reach Asia Cup final. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina bursts into tears of joy on Wednesday as Bangladesh exorcised Pakistan demons to reach Asia Cup final. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol

Saima Wazed Hossain Putul beside her mother Sheikh Hasina at the stadium's VVIP Lounge. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol Saima Wazed Hossain Putul beside her mother Sheikh Hasina at the stadium's VVIP Lounge. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina waving the national flag after Bangladesh's victory over Pakistan. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina waving the national flag after Bangladesh's victory over Pakistan. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol

Tigers in dream final

Played in the month that saw Bengalees declare independence from Pakistan back in 1971, the game had subtle undertones, sending the social media into a frenzy.

 

She watched the game with nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq and his wife Peppi Kiviniemi-Siddiq from the VVIP Lounge of the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.

 

Saima Wazed Hossain Putul beside her mother Sheikh Hasina at the stadium's VVIP Lounge. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina waving the national flag after Bangladesh's victory over Pakistan. Photo: Saiful Islam Kollol

At turns, optimistic and worried, Hasina was shown on the big screen several times as she keenly followed the proceedings out in the middle.

Her security detail may have meant she could not share a seat with the spectators in the stands, but emotionally she lived every bit of it with them.

Heads of state or government usually do not display their emotion in public, but the daughter of Bangladesh’s independence architect let it all out. 

She laughed, she cried, she waved the green and red, she broke into applause in reactions normally reserved for avid fans.

As soon as the Tigers chased down 130 in a nail-biting finish with five wickets and five balls in hand, the crowds began roaring themselves to sore throats. Hasina was caught again on the giant screen, flashing a big smile and waving at the spectators and players.

In no time, the prime minister was overwhelmed with emotion and tears began streaming down her face. She took her glasses off and wiped her eyes.

Her daughter Saima Wazed Hossain Putul was beside her at the time.