We strongly condemn the acts of vandalism observed at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, when frustrated spectators, unable to secure tickets, broke a gate of the stadium. In addition, it is simply unacceptable that a team bus full of players was also denied entry, with the fans also obstructing the private vehicle of Khulna Tigers captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
While the army eventually dispersed the angry crowd, it is truly shocking to see just how quickly some are resorting to violent measures, and this is not the nation we want to be. It is safe to say that at present, law and order is compromised, with the police yet to find their footing and able to respond effectively to escalating situations.
With that said, the organizers deservedly are being criticized for their mismanagement and lack of clear communication with regard to the tickets of the 11th season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). This year's BPL is the first major tournament under the new Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) leadership, and this is not the sort of beginning that many were hoping for.
Ultimately, there is a collective need to be better as a nation. The BCB have promised innovations and improvements, and we hope that this debacle with tickets is not an indication of what is to come in the future. Our law enforcement agencies, especially the police, must do better to de-escalate situations. And finally, the people at large too must show more patience and restraint -- breaking down gates over ticketing issues is simply not acceptable behaviour.
