Chief
Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday accorded a reception to the
Bangladesh cricket team at his office at Tejgaon here, following their 2-0 Test
series victory against Pakistan in August-September 2024.
Welcoming
the cricketers at the reception, the Chief Adviser called their success in
Pakistan a historic one and said the whole nation was proud of their
achievement.
"I
spoke to the captain after the victory but I was eagerly waiting to meet you
all personally and congratulate you on behalf of the nation," he said
while addressing the players.
Prof
Yunus reminded the players of the power of sports in uniting a nation and
recalled his recent engagement in the Paris Olympics where he acted as an
advisor and ambassador.
The
Chief Adviser revealed that he has been invited by Italy to play a similar role
during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
National
cricket team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto thanked Prof Yunus for hosting a
reception to them at his office and said his words would encourage them to
achieve further success.
"Every
player is happy to come here. It will really inspire us," he said.
Shanto
said the hard work of players and coaching staff was pivotal to their success
in Pakistan.
Asif
Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, hailed the
players for bringing success at a difficult time.
Bangladesh
Cricket Board President Faruque Ahmed, its director Najmul Abedin Fahim and
Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury were, among others, present on
the occasion.