'I wish this tragedy and trauma doesn't happen to anyone' - Anamul Haque on ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter, Anamul Haque, is among those profoundly impacted by the prevailing chaos engulfing the nation. Haque, who is set to captain Bangladesh A in two four-day fixtures against Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad, has been down emotionally, where he lost a friend in the ongoing violence in the homeland.

The country is grappling with intense political turmoil, characterized by widespread street protests and heightened aggression directed at anti-government sentiments.

Prior to the team's departure on Friday, Anamul addressed reporters at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium concerning the tragic loss of his close friend, Akram, who tragically passed away during the student protests in July. He publicly shared the profound emotional impact this loss has had on him, expressing the deep sorrow he feels for his late friend.

“I think you have heard that a friend, who was like a brother to me, died in the protests. We were very close. I get emotional when I think about him. I wish this tragedy and trauma doesn't happen to anyone. I was in Chattogram, so I couldn't reach my family in Dhaka. Everyone was touched by this tragedy in some capacity,” stated Anamul, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Like many others in Dhaka, Anamul endured restless nights following the fall of the Awami League government, as chaos and instability enveloped the capital. He described how he spent those late hours attending to his child, his sleep frequently interrupted by pervasive uncertainty. Anamul also voiced his profound desire to escape the prevalent fear and anxiety, yearning for a return to tranquility - a fundamental right he believed everyone was entitled to.

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“I was up from 2-5 am. I was taking care of my child. I went down to see what was going on. I saw many people on the streets, guarding their property. I don't know what these people want. We don't want to live like this. We want to live in peace. Everyone deserves their fundamental rights. I think we all work honestly,” added Anamul.

I think we could give everyone something to cheer about: Anamul

In a similar vein, he expressed his hope that the tour would serve as a boon, fostering unity both within the team and among supporters back home. He further remarked that returning to Test cricket in a nation known for its batting-friendly conditions would present a balanced opportunity for both sides. He hoped that this tour would offer a chance for collective rejuvenation and respite amidst the ongoing tumult in Bangladesh.

“Cricket is a place of emotion. It unites us. This tour will really help us, especially the Test tour that follows in Pakistan. There will be batting-friendly conditions there generally. It gives a chance to both sides. We are playing Tests after a long time too. I think we could give everyone something to cheer about,” added the cricketer.

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The senior team is slated to commence a two-match Test series on August 21 in Rawalpindi. The most-recent Test series for Bangladesh was against Sri Lanka, culminating in two resounding defeats. Consequently, Bangladesh will be fervently hoping for a more favourable turn of fortunes and an improved performance in their forthcoming fixtures.