Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina ceremonially declared the ICC World Cup 2011 open by pressing the switch-on button at 7:10 pm at a gala ceremony at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister expressed the optimism that hosting of the world cup cricket would further cement the tie of world fraternity.
She saluted the language martyrs in this month of the great language movement. She also recalled with deep gratitude the greatest Bangali of all time and father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Sheikh Hasina welcomed the ICC officials, players, guests and spectators at the majestic ceremony. She also thanked the ICC for selecting Bangladesh to host the opening ceremony and eight matches in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President AHM Mostafa Kamal MP gave the welcome address while ICC President and Indian Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Local Organising Committee Chairman and Finance Minister AMA Muhith and State Minister for Youth and Sports Ahad Ali Sarkar also spoke at the function.
BBN/SI/AD-17Feb11-8:07 pm (BST)
