England squad meet acid attack victim during Bangladesh tour

25 October 2016 08:08

England captain Alastair Cook and his team-mates met a female victim of an acid attack during his team's tour of Bangladesh on Tuesday.

The England squad was joined by their support staff, and ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, at the British High Commission in Dhaka to help highlight the devastating effects of acid attacks on women in the Asian nation.

They listened intently as the victim of an acid attack and a domestic abuse survivor, among others, addressed what had happened to them and how they went on to become community leaders in an effort to prevent violence against women.

All four speakers are the beneficiaries of United Kingdom funded programmes and they answered several questions from England players and staff before the gesture was reciprocated.

England captain Cook then said: "Everyone here is very brave to be talking about the stories and it takes a lot of courage and conviction to talk about something which is obviously so horrendous."

More than 80 per cent of women in Bangladesh experience physical or mental abuse during their marriage and acid attacks continue to be a source of concern, according to the Department for International Development, which is responsible for administering overseas aid.

So far in 2016, a total of 42 individuals have been affected by an acid attack, although that figure is down significantly from a peak of 496, 14 years ago.

Harrison said: "I'm pleased the England cricket team had the opportunity to learn more about the Department for International Development's work in Bangladesh.

"We have been left in no doubt that the UK's efforts in supporting victims of violence, particularly acid attacks that sadly see such prominence in the country, are changing lives and giving those affected the physical and psychological support they so desperately need.

"I am sure the visit, which was organised in conjunction with the British High Commission in Dhaka, has been a moving and educational experience for the players."

Source: PA