Bangladesh stage mock security drill ahead of World Cup

DHAKA: Security forces staged a mock emergency drill after a controlled blast at a stadium in the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka on Thursday which will host the opening ceremony for the cricket World Cup.

Bangladesh meet India in the opening match two days later at the Shere Bangla National stadium.

"The blast and the subsequent actions were parts of a security drill ahead of the World Cup," said Abdul Jalil, a senior officer in the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

Similar drills are being executed at hotels and other places where players and their fans are expected to gather during the tournament to be hosted jointly by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Six group matches and two quarter-finals will be played in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Bangladesh have restricted visas for visitors from Afghanistan, Algeria, India and Pakistan to keep suspected militants from entering the country, foreign ministry officials said.

"We are trying to present a good image to the visitors, by giving them security, comfort and honour," said a spokesman for the Dhaka City Corporation.