1 June 1999
Bangladeshi Jubilation
Zahid Newaz in Dhaka
The entire nation burst into euphoria as thousands of people came out
dancing and singing to the streets Monday night to celebrate their
historic victory over former champions Pakistan in the World Cup
cricket.
The millions who had been glued to live telecasts of the play burst
into cheers with the Bangladesh team clinching a memorable 62-run
victory over Pakistan whom the nation defeated in the 1971 war of
liberation.
With this win, the world-cup debutant Bangladesh who had earlier beat
Scotland ended up with 4 points.
Cricket-crazy Bangladesh went into ecstasy with the fans taking to the
streets, beating drums and setting of firecrackers as their emotion
exploded into thunderous jubilation when Bangladesh sealed the victory
over Pakistan.
Sensing Bangladesh's victory well before the end of the match many
were seen preparing to celebrate the occasion and buying sweets to
exchange greetings with fellow Bangladeshis.
Buses and trucks on the street honked their horns as welcome greetings
to the Bangladeshi cricketers.
Phones and e-mails were found busy as people exchanged good wishes
among friends and relations over the victory over the cricket giant
Pakistan.
It was a tremendous scenario throughout the match either in households
or outside residence. In various places such as streets and markets
people surrounding a TV watched the match. They shouted and clapped in
every dismissal of Pakistani batsmen.
An ecstatic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in
celebrations congratulating the Bangladesh team and sending out
greetings for the members of the squad of the national side's victory
over Pakistan and declared a half-day national holiday for Tuesday.
Besides her earlier declaration of Tk 100,000 each for the team
members, Hasina Monday night held out another bounty of as much money
the players and other members of the team.
Many business houses, including largest business organisation,
Beximco, also started declaring cash awards for the victors.
Several parts of the capital, including Mouchak and Malibagh
crossings, Shahbagh, Paltan, Farmgate areas turned into human sea
breaking the midnight silence.
The students of Dhaka University came out of their dormitories and
rushed towards Teachers' Students' Centre in processions to celebrate
the biggest victory of Bangladesh in the World Cup cricket.
They beat plates, jugs and whatever they got at hand and danced and
sang and exploded crackers to memorise the glorious victory.
The arms cadres of different student organisation were also not out of
the joyous moment as they fired shots from their illegal guns in the
air.
In the women dormitories, many students burst into tears of joy with
the historic victory of Bangladesh.
DU Vice-Chancellor Prof AK Azad Chowdhury congratulated Bangladesh
team for its historic and massive victory in the World Cup cricket
against former World Champion Pakistan.
"We have won like '71, I feel this moment as December 16 of '71", said
the VC.
DU Pro-VC Prof Shahadat Ali said, "Joy Bangla, It is the victory of
the Bengali Nation".
Bangladesh Press Minister in London Syed Badrul Ahsan in an immediate
mail to this correspondent said: need one say anything more? Only this
- we are a great nation. Shall we keep the banner flying? Northampton
becomes part of history.
Source :: CricInfo365