Basically Bangladesh

As India know only too well,you can never presume victory over Bangladesh that too in the World Cup. So the action at the inaugural match of the 2011 Cup at Dhakas Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium will be keen. The two teams are in the more competitive group,and the hosts will be trying to qualify for the quarter-finals at the expense of one of these four: India,West Indies,South Africa,England. Before Thursdays opening ceremony,Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said sports events brand a country,and she hoped that the social and economic condition of the country would be consolidated if Bangladesh can be branded through the World Cup.

On Thursday,Bangladesh showcased itself as a socially vibrant,outward-looking society that embraces the ideals that nourished independence 40 years ago. Indeed,over the past few years,especially since Hasina swept back to power with the restoration of democracy in 2008,it has been conscious of re-imagining itself. Last year,the courts struck down a key amendment and restored the secular character of its constitution. The effect was not just to draw a cordon sanitaire between extremists and citizens,but also to draw focus to the very limited appeal of extremism. In fact,thats the re-branding Bangladesh celebrates these coming weeks.

Bangladesh is also finally reaping the benefits of steady economic growth over the past decade. Its begun to be proactive in moving for better economic integration and transport connectivity in South and Southeast Asia. The Bangla story is now about more than its famous microfinance models and the country is part of the Next Eleven economies identified by Goldman Sachs as a follow-up to their BRIC report. Given Hasinas remarks,we are sure to see some snapshots of a changing country in the course of the eight matches in Dhaka and Chittagong.