'It's for war heroes'

Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar dedicated his team's achievement in the World Cup to the martyrs of the War of Liberation.

"We dedicate this triumph to the martyrs of the War of Liberation. It feels particularly gratifying to complete this win when the whole of Bangladesh is observing the Independence Day," said Bashar.

The 34-year old Tigers skipper was understandably extremely delighted with the significance of the achievement in the Caribbean as they went past the group stages of the World Cup for the first time after beating Bermuda by seven wickets in the rain interrupted final game of Group B.

The first-ever qualification for the second round in the showpiece event of cricket in added a new dimension in the celebration of this year's Independence Day as people from all walks of life joined hands to toast a magnificent achievement.

Former Bangladesh captain Raquibul Hassan said that it was a day to remember for life. "What a day it is. What I can only say is: Shabash (bravo) Bangladesh," he said.

Waving flags and screaming slogans 'Bangladesh! Bangladesh!' people joined a impetuous party in the heart of the city, mainly on the Dhaka University campus.

The stupendous stunning success of the Tigers in the Caribbean have stirred the imagination of the people as they now think even beyond the Super Eights but as a cricketer Akram Khan was not ready to go with the flow of emotion. Rather he took a much more guarded approach for the battle in the second round competition.

"It is now a challenge for our team to prove that the second round berth is not a fluke. Now win or loss is not my first concern rather I would be happy if they can play good and competitive cricket," cautioned the long-serving skipper.

President Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina congratulated the team on their glorious achievement and hoped that the cricketers would be able to continue their success in the mega event.