Mehedi gets promised land

Bangladesh off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz was granted a plot of land by Khulna Development Authority (KDA) in a formal ceremony at its premises on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday.

The Premier made the announcement of a plot of land for the cricketer on November 2, 2016, two days after Mehedi had sensationally bowled Bangladesh to a series-levelling win in his debut series against England, taking 19 wickets in two Test matches.

The Prime Minister approved the plot for Miraz for a symbolic price of Tk 1,001.

"When I got a phone call from the Prime Minister and learned that I had a chance to meet her I was overwhelmed. After learning of my family's financial hardship, she allotted the land as an inspiration, like a mother," said an overjoyed Mehedi after his interaction with the PM yesterday.

"I had to struggle immensely for this position. So I want to promote cricket and share my experiences with newcomers," Mehedi added. 

Brigadier General Ashanul Mia, Chairman of KDA, told The Daily Star that Mehedi was given 3.07 kathas or 0.05 acres of land at KDA's commercial-cum-residential area at Mujgunni main road under Khulna City Corporation.

Mehedi's father Jalal Uddin thanked the Prime Minister for her kindness.

"Mehedi is not only my son; he is a son to all Bangladeshis," said Jalal Uddin, a rent-a-car driver who lives with his family in a small, tin-shed house in Khalishpur BADC road.

KDA arranged a ceremony to give him the plot in the presence of local lawmakers Mizanur Rahman Mizan, Begum Monnujan Sufian, Khulna city corporation mayor Moniruzzaman Moni and KDA chairman Brigadier General Ahasanul Hoq Miah.