BCB set for Saturday meeting as plans continue to hold BPL on time

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is continuing with its plan to start the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as per schedule on December 26 in Sylhet. However, the BCB is set to hold a meeting tomorrow in light of the current circumstances in the country.

"We are continuing with the plan of starting on the 26th. We are set to sit down tomorrow for a meeting, but there is no opportunity to back away from the tournament at the moment," BPL member secretary Iftekhar Rahman Mithu told The Daily Star.

The BCB had initially wanted to hold the BPL opening ceremony in Dhaka on December 24, but later decided not to organise the opening ceremony.

"Aligned with the current advice from the Bangladesh Government on mass gatherings, and with the objective of ensuring maximum protection for everyone concerned, the BPL Governing Council has decided not to organise any pre-event function or opening ceremony involving large crowds," the BCB said in a press release on Wednesday.

On Thursday night, security concerns intensified following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho. The offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo came under attack from angry protesters.

"The government urges all citizens of Bangladesh to resist all forms of mob violence committed by a few fringe elements. We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties," read a statement from the interim government on Friday.

With exactly a week left until the start of the BPL, teams are expected to gather in Sylhet by December 23.