A simmering dispute between the neighbors, who share one of the largest land borders in the world, has escalated with diplomatic protests and a sports boycott.

Within days, Mustafizur signed up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) protested sharply, the IPL broadcast was banned in Bangladesh, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) – the body that governs the sport globally – was pulled into a diplomatic standoff.

Dr Islam also congratulated the Finish Ambassador and the people of Finland on the upcoming Nordic Day celebration.

Khaleda, whose second stint as prime minister ended in 2006, never regained power but her feud with Sheikh Hasina continued to dominate politics in the South Asian country.

Huge crowds have arrived at the venue of the funeral prayers for Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who died Tuesday in the nation's capital.

A local BNP leader died shortly after being detained in a joint army–police operation in Bangladesh, with his family and party alleging custodial torture. The charge was denied by the army, which said he died after suffering a stroke.

Bangladesh has intensified security with army deployment ahead of its general election campaign starting Jan 22. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has firmly committed to holding the polls on Feb 12, while on-arrival visas have been suspended.