Feature

Saushan Rahman

It was around 10:00 pm. I was in my room. Every now and then I could hear people scream out in joy. Yes, I am talking about the night when Bangladesh won the cricket match. While our tigers were on a battle with the Indian team in a faraway land, countless cricket lovers were sitting in front of their television, watching anxiously.

The rounds of applause sounded like the roar of a fearless tiger. I am sure that this roar of applause somehow reached the ears of the Bengal Tigers, uplifting their spirit and lighting up the passion and desire to win. In spite of the loss of dear friend and teammate Manjarul Islam Rana, who died in a road accident in Khulna on Friday, they have brought great joy to the people of this country.

I believe that only a good memory can erase bad ones. Indeed this joyous event will erase the painful memory of the last world cup, where Bangladesh lost all the matches they played.

Bangladeshi people all around the world have been in a celebratory mood ever since the match. In Melbourne, Australia, the match was shown on a big screen in Crown Entertainment, the largest entertainment casino and hotel in Melbourne. The hall was jam packed with Bangladeshi people. Shahnila Anwar, a Bangladeshi Australian resident says, "I don't know what to say. It is an amazing feeling. It is a miracle and when you are living outside your country, these things make you feel for your country even more." She further adds, "I felt so proud when I went to work today as everyone was praising me for the win. This victory has made Bangladesh more famous to foreign countries, no doubt.”

In London there was a celebration rally. Kolapata, Bengali restaurant in London, had organized free dinner and tea for all Bengalis (the restaurant is situated in an area called Bangla Para where all the roads are named in Bangla). Other than that, the Bangladeshi people living in London also organized a concert that went on throughout the night.

And the celebration here in the land of the Tigers? Well, the joy of the people knew no bounds. Processions were brought out at night just after the victory. There was "rong khela" in all the universities. Many of the shops ran out of sweets. Not only the educational institutions, but also all the office and other organizations were in a festive mood. Many people prayed to convey their gratitude to God. All in all, this victory has brought great joy to the people of the land. All I can say is that this triumph is not just a landmark, but it is also the beginning of a series of triumphs yet to come in the near future. I wish our tigers all the best.