Entrepreneurs, banks, instts, orgs give money for T20 WC

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has received cheques of financial assistance from various corporate houses, banks, insurance companies, telecom operators and private sector entrepreneurs for hosting the ICC T20 World Cup cricket tournament and staging the ‘Lokkho Kontho’ at the National Parade Square in the city on March 26 where some 0.3 million people will sing the national anthem. After receiving the cheques, the Prime Minister addressed a function at her official residence Ganobhaban on Friday evening. Finance Minister AMA Muhith made the introductory remarks on the occasion while Cultural Affairs Minister Aasaduzzaman Noor conducted the function. PM’s Power and Energy Adviser Towfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid Bipu, State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Shikder and Deputy Minister Arif Khan Joy were present. Representatives from 24 corporate houses, eight telecom operators, 23 power entrepreneurs, 10 state banks and insurance companies, 28 private banks provided cheques of financial assistance to the Prime Minister. Hasina mentioned that the Asia Cup cricket was held smoothly in Bangladesh, and Sri Lankan national cricket team has already visited Bangladesh. She said all concerned countries have already sent their teams to Bangladesh for participating in the T20 World Cup and the celebrated international artistes, including the Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman performed in the spectacular opening ceremony. The Prime Minister said that the T20s have given cricket a new dimension after the Test and ODIs (one-day international), according to a news agency.