In response to "Mirpur Stadium in Pakistan"
This is in response to the letter sent to you by Shaheen Anam on 29th March 2011 regarding the lack of reciprocation by the Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi to the adoring crowds of Dhaka that supported them in the quarter final match against the West Indies in the World Cup 2011 Quarter Finals.
I will not deny that the letter represents the thoughts of many people in Bangladesh. The history of our two countries is fraught with blood and pain. But I do have to point out; Ms. Anam does exactly what she says she isn't doing: mixing politics and sport. When it comes to sport, people will cling onto whatever they feel appeals to them.
It is strange a little reticence from Shahid Afridi ought to call for such national soul-searching as to why we need to support Pakistan in a game against the West Indies.
And to offer a small, refreshing and optimistic side-note to ameliorate this feeling of hurtfulness. Pakistanis were supporting Bangladesh in most of the World Cup 2011 games. I know this from anecdotes relayed to me by my Pakistani friends. In the end, none of this matters. It's just a game. People should enjoy it however they like, without having to be reminded of politics.
******************
Thank you very much from the core of my heart for bringing in focus the behavior of some people in the Mirpur Stadium during the match between Pakistan and the West Indies. I strongly feel that there are people even amongst the younger generation who do not know the atrocities of 1971. I am in unison with you (Ms.Anam) that some would have chanted 'Pakistan Zindabad slogan' even if the match would have been scheduled on 25th March. I simply cannot reconcile how soon we can forget our past. I congratulate you for your reaction.
To tell you frankly I did not watch that match because it was on March 23. Did not the people living here know that forty years back we hoisted a new flag of Bangladesh on the same day? I feel, everyone should be taught history irrespective of their age and education.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments