Summary
18 March 2009
The Bangladesh government has postponed the tour by the Pakistan cricket team because of security concerns following a mutiny by soldiers last month which left more than 70 dead.
Reporter:
Mark Dummett
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Summary
The Pakistan cricket team had been due to tour Bangladesh this month, but the government here now believes that following the revolt by paramilitary border guards, it cannot ensure its safety.
The Sports Minister said that the tour had been suspended for the time being because the law enforcement agencies were busy hunting the mutineers who managed to escape. At least 56 senior officers were killed in the mutiny by soldiers of the Bangladesh Rifles. Several hundred are still on the run and there are fears some may still have guns.
The army has stepped up security at about a dozen strategic buildings in Dhaka including the official residence of the Prime Minister. The Sports Minister said that it is not possible therefore for the government to provide foolproof security to the touring side. The government has also put on hold all other tours by foreign sports teams.
The decision is another blow to cricket in South Asia. Two weeks ago, the Sri Lankan team was attacked by gunmen on their way to a match in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
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Vocabulary
- revolt
- (often violent) action taken by people protesting against authority
- cannot ensure its safety
- is unable to guarantee the team would not be in danger
- had been suspended
- had been stopped, but is likely to begin again in the future - similar to 'put on hold'
- the time being
- now
- the law enforcement agencies
- people responsible for keeping law and order
- hunting the mutineers
- looking for the people involved with the mutiny (a riot or revolt started by people, especially soldiers or sailors who attempt to take control from people in authority)
- on the run
- escaping from the police after committing a crime
- foolproof security
- police and guards to make sure the team were 100% safe
- put on hold
- stopped for a short time, perhaps to begin again in the future
- another blow
- a further disappointment
