BPL champions’ chaotic reception in Barishal
A little over two years ago, the world witnessed how much the Argentina football team means to the people of that country when their World Cup winning team had to cancel their bus parade through capital Buenos Aires because the entire city was in the streets, busy in raucous revelry, celebrating the historic win.
Today, somewhat similar scenes unfolded in Barishal when around 50 thousand fans congregated to catch a glimpse of their beloved Fortune Barishal but ironically, their unfettered love for the team, who have recently won their second consecutive Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), cut the celebrations short.
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The Barishal team arrived in the city by air in the afternoon, ready to parade both of their BPL trophies. The team bus was greeted by fans standing roadside all through the 17-kilometer stretch from the airport to the Bell Park, where the celebration took place.
At 4:45 pm, around two hours after the scheduled time, the team entered Bells Park led by captain Tamim Iqbal, flashing victory signs amid thunderous applause while the jubilant crowd chanted "Barishal! Barishal".
Team owner Mizanur Rahman, who was present with his family, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and said, "We dedicate this victory to the martyrs of July. This victory is not just ours; it's the victory of the people of Barishal."
"We are overwhelmed and apologetic. Overwhelmed seeing your love and enthusiasm -- we have never witnessed such a wave of millions. However, we are sorry that we were not able to spend more time with you."
However, the celebrations did not last much longer as by 5:00 pm the players were off the rickety and overcrowded stage, boarded their bus and left the venue. There were also plans of a concert, which fell through, much to the dismay of the packed crowd who made their displeasure known by throwing plastic bottles onto the stage. The pushing and shoving in the crowd continued throughout and some fans even sustained injuries.
Perhaps the management had underestimated the love this city holds for their champions. But now everyone knows, the city of Barishal maybe one-fourth the size of Buenos Aires and one-eighth in population, but they love their beloved team just as much.
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