The squad arrived in the island on Thursday, two weeks early to begin preparations for the six-team competition, also involving India, Pakistan, Hong Kong and the UAE.

Bangladesh's only one-day victory since the 1999 World Cup came against Zimbabwe four months ago.

But skipper Habibual Bashar said: "If we put in our best efforts, there is always a chance for us to win."

The Tigers are in the same first round group as Pakistan and Hong Kong, who qualified for the tournament by reaching the final of the 2000 Asian Cricket Council Trophy.

The Asia Cup was originally due to take place in 2002, but they had to wait an extra two years for their big chance until India and Pakistan resumed sporting links.

"We do not take any opponent lightly, even if it is Hong Kong," said Bashar.

At the moment, however, they are struggling to find suitable opposition for warm-up games.

"Our team is planning at least three practice matches and we are working out the details," said Ashud Ahmed of the Bangladesh High Commission.

The only surprise in the Bangladesh squad is the absence of opener Hannan Sarker, who was dropped in favour of Javed Omar.

The latter has been regarded as more suited to Test cricket in the past but has made four half-centuries in one-day internationals.