BCB's security liaison officer passes away during Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Test

The Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) security liaison officer, Ikram Chowdhury, passed away after suffering a heart attack during the ongoing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS). Ikram, 50, was with the BCB’s security committee since 2014.

SICS venue manager Joydeep Das confirmed the media that he was taken to the nearby hospital Al Haramain after suffering the attack while doing his professional duty. However, he could not be saved.

"He was in the stadium. He suffered a massive heart attack and we immediately took him to Al Haramain Hospital. He was taken to CCU and then ICU. He was also in life support but as it was a massive attack, he couldn't be saved," Joydeep Das was quoted as saying by Daily Star. 

The BCB has expressed sadness and extended heartfelt condolences to his family

Meanwhile, speaking of the ongoing Test, the visitors are on track to win and go 1-0 up in the two-match series. Bangladesh could only set a target of 174 runs after being dismissed for 255 in the second innings. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bangladesh were tumbled out for 191 in 41 overs in the first innings. 

Zimbabwe responded strongly, taking a crucial 82-run lead by managing 273 runs on the back of half-centuries from Brian Bennett (57 off 64) and Sean Williams (59 off 108). Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who bagged three wickets (3/50) in first innings, continued his brilliant form as he claimed a six-for (6/72) in the second to dismiss the hosts for just 255. 

In the second innings, both Mahmudul Hasan Joy (33 off 65) and Monimul Haque (47 off 84) got themselves in but could not carry on for too long. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hassan Shanto managed 60 off 105 while Jaker Ali also completed his half-century (58 off 111) but despite the slightly improved batting performance, they could set only 174 for the visitors to take an early lead in the series.