As 2025 ended and 2026 began, people across Bangladesh welcomed the new year. Many celebrated Thirty First Night with music, fireworks, and firecrackers in Dhaka and other cities. But the celebrations took place at a time when the country was in mourning, which drew strong reactions from members of the Bangladesh cricket community.
Following the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, the government announced three days of state mourning. Her funeral was held on the same day. While the nation remained in grief, the continued use of fireworks through the night left many disappointed.
Bangladesh batter Tamim shared his frustration on Facebook. He wrote, “The country is now observing state mourning. The whole nation is in deep grief.” He then referred to the government directive, saying, “The government has also instructed not to light fireworks, firecrackers, or release sky lanterns this year.” Tamim expressed his disappointment at what he saw around him. “But unfortunately, I saw that once again the surroundings were shaken by the sound of firecrackers. Please refrain from these activities. Give people some relief. Respect the state mourning. We have lost such a distinguished person. At least show respect to her.”
Bangladesh Cricket Board cricket operations in charge Shahriar Nafees also questioned the purpose of fireworks. In his Facebook post, he asked, “I really want to know what is achieved by lighting fireworks on Shab-e-Barat and on the night of 31 December?” He then reflected on the new year from a spiritual point of view. “By the will of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, we are entering a new year. We pray that He forgives our past mistakes and guides us toward a future filled with taqwa, patience, and sincere service to humanity.” He continued, “O Allah, grant us good health, pure intentions, beneficial knowledge and blessings. Make this new year bring us closer to You and grant us a happy and prosperous 2026. Ameen.”
Bangladesh batter Tanzid Hasan Tamim also spoke against fireworks in a thoughtful Facebook post. He wrote, “We love watching birds, yet we scare them away. We long for fresh air, yet we poison it.” He then highlighted the human cost of noise. “We worry when our own fall sick but forget the silent suffering of patients in hospitals because of these noise. We speak endlessly but our actions remain quiet. May Allah give us the chance to truly become better.”
Leg spinner Aminul Islam Biplob focused on the late night disturbance in his post. He wrote, “It’s 11:00 pm. Please let everyone sleep. This is a torture.”
Together, the voices from Bangladesh cricket spoke against fireworks and called for restraint, empathy, and respect during moments of national grief.
