Security team leaves for Bangladesh

Security team leaves for Bangladesh

Monday, December 6, 2004 (New Delhi):

A four-member Central government team has left for Dhaka to help decide the fate of the Indian cricket team's tour to Bangladesh in the wake of the death threat by a militant group.

The team, comprising an official each from Ministry of Home Affairs, External Affairs and the Cricket Board, would review the arrangements made for the Indian team at Dhaka and Chittagong.

The team will submit its report by Tuesday.

Threat letter

On Sunday the Indian High Commission in Dhaka received a hand-written fax letter from a militant group called the Harkat-ul-Zihad, threatening to kill the Indian cricketers if they toured the country.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) CEO Maqbool Dudhia spoke to NDTV, and reiterated that there is little credibility to the death threats.

However, Dudhia said Bangladesh could reschedule the tour by a few days, and even look at a change in the venue. But Home Minister Shivraj Patil has said security of the players is of paramount importance.

Departure delayed

The Indian team was scheduled to leave for Dhaka on Tuesday to play a two-match Test series and three one-day matches.

But now the team will leave only after the government gives a go-ahead.

The first Test to be played in Dhaka is scheduled for December 9 followed by the second Test from December 16 in Chittagong.

The one-dayers will be played in Chittagong (December 23) and Dhaka (December 26, 27).

news from ndtv.com

(With PTI inputs)