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The Bangladesh cricket team's decision to forgo a visit to the Moti Masjid in Gwalior on Friday, opting instead to offer prayers at their hotel, has sparked discussions surrounding security concerns and potential political tensions. The team's visit coincided with a call for a 'Gwalior bandh' on the day of the India-Bangladesh T20 match, organized by right-wing groups in protest against alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August.
While the team's management cited security concerns as the reason for skipping the mosque visit, the decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering the elaborate security arrangements made by the Gwalior police around the mosque. The police maintained that no organization had issued any calls to disrupt the team's visit, further emphasizing the preemptive measures taken to ensure their safety.
The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding sporting events and the potential for political tensions to spill over into international sporting arenas. While security concerns are a legitimate factor, the decision not to visit the mosque could be interpreted as a concession to the right-wing groups' protests, further fueling anxieties and potentially escalating the situation. The Bangladesh team's focus on maintaining a peaceful and productive tour amidst these challenges underscores the delicate balance between sportsmanship and political realities.
The Gwalior police, in a bid to maintain order and ensure the safety of the players, spectators, and the city itself, have deployed over 2,500 personnel for the T20I. This deployment, along with the invocation of prohibitory orders and the monitoring of social media for inflammatory content, reflects the seriousness with which authorities are taking the security threat. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between politics, sports, and security, particularly in the context of international sporting events.
Source: Bangladesh cricket team doesn’t visit Gwalior mosque, holds Friday prayer at hotel