The ICC World Cup T20 match scheduled for March 16 will see the pre-match launching at a colourful and festive cultural event titled “BCB Celebration Concert” at Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city heart today.
Indian music legend AR Rahman and Senegalese American R&B artist Akon will be present on the occasion to highlight the significance of the event. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to present in the gala occasion to begin at 4.30 pm at the stadium. Meanwhile, the government has launched a donation raising drive to collect Tk 100 crore for funding the festivities at the cost of the private business houses and individuals. The total project cost of today’s festivities will be between Tk 14 to 18 crores and it will be fully funded by the BCB from the donation money.
The ICC did not reportedly sanction any fund for the event. Bombay based Indian music director, singer and composer A R Rahman has already arrived in the city on Tuesday with his 130-music team to present a live performance on the occasion.
Bangladesh’s music icon Runa Laila, Sabina Yesmin, Kumar Biswajit, Mamtaj, LRB, Miles, Ornob of Bangladesh will also render songs on the occasion.
Besides, the history of Bangladesh cricket will be featured on the occasion using three-dimensional technology at the stadium before the start of AR Rahman’s concert. The concert will end with massive fireworks and public celebrations.
The stadium gates will open for the cricket lovers at 3 pm. The opening match of T20 will be played between host Bangladesh and Afghanistan on March 16. In all 26 teams including 10 women teams will participate in the event.
Meanwhile, an amount of Tk. 115 crore has already been reportedly spent for beautification of Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet cities.
