The day began like any other for him and his teammates at the Mirpur indoor facilities. But the happy Bashar was soon horrified to learn of a series of bomb blasts all over the country.

"While we were on way to the Army Stadium to complete our second session of training, my wife rang to know whether I was alright," said Bashar.

The country's premier batsman condemned the attacks saying it would bring shame to the image of Bangladesh abroad.

"I'm absolutely shocked and dismayed. The incident will certainly damage our image in the eyes of the world. Now everybody will try to brand Bangladesh as a fundamentalist state, which I find hard to accept.

"We have to face a barrage of questions about Bangladesh wherever we tour. There is no language that can express the outrage I am feeling after such a barbaric attack, " said Bangladesh skipper.

Though his thoughts were elsewhere, Bashar wished that he was able to serve the Tigers for another three years.