Win leaves one dead

WILD celebrations by millions of Bangladeshis after the country reached the cricket World Cup left one man dead, several hundred people injured and more than 100 under arrest, officials said.

People poured onto the streets to savour the country's greatest sporting achievement within minutes of Bangladesh beating Scotland in the ICC Trophy semi final in Kuala Lumpur.

The victory saw Bangladesh into the World Cup in England in 1999, the first time the country of more than 110 million people has reached the finals.

But one man was stabbed to death in central Dhaka as he fought supporters trying to pour coloured water on him. And a child was critically injured after falling off a roof while watching the festivities.

Hospital officials in Dhaka and other cities reported "many" injuries, with some hospitalised. Eighty people injured in the celebrations were treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital alone.

The festivities also forced the authorities to step up security. Police arrested more than 100 people for throwing coloured water or vandalism. At least 20 female students from Dhaka University were injured when they ran away from men chasing them with coloured water. The stain is permanent on clothes.

Supporters carrying the national flag, drums, cricket bats and fireworks swarmed around the capital. Some store owners gave out free sweets.

Rickshaw processions toured the streets, which had been emptier than usual until the match finished. Most people listened to live radio commentary of the Kuala Lumpur match and each team member will get a new car and a mobile phone from the government.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed joined millions of Bangladeshis and sent a message of "heartiest congratulations" to the team. "The whole nation, expresses gratitude to you for upholding a bright image of Bangladesh in the cricket world through ensuring participation of our team in the next prestigious World Cup."

The match united the politically volatile nation, with main opposition leader Kbaleda Zia also sending good wishes to the team for their success.