Australian High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer and a large group of well-wishers bid farewell to the Bangladesh Men’s National Cricket Team ahead of their departure for Australia to compete in the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2022.
Addressing the event, the High Commissioner reflected on Australians' and Bangladeshis’ mutual love of cricket, a spokesperson of the High Commission said on Saturday
He said Bangladesh team’s visit to Australia in a year when both the countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations is significant.
"I am confident the team will receive a great welcome in Australia," said the High Commissioner. "You won't be short of friends there -- especially now that Australia is home to around 80,000 people with a Bangladeshi background."
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel in his speech hoped for the best for Bangladesh and Australian cricket teams in the World Cup.
He said: "Now Bangladesh is a glamorous name in the fields of sports globally. Football, cricket, hockey, archery, swimming and many other games are very popular and promising. We have achieved the outstanding glory of being world champions in the ICC under-19 World Cup 2020. Very recently, our women football team has achieved SAFF championship."
Among others present at the event were State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP, heads of diplomatic missions, senior representatives of the Bangladesh government, representatives of the business community, and as guests of honour most of the players from the Bangladesh men's T20 squad.