The explosion occurred last Saturday evening (December 7) in the port city and is thought to be connected with the ongoing disorder ahead of next month's General Elections.

Due to the ongoing instability and fears for similar blasts in the future the tourists, who consist of players from various Caribbean islands, decided to withdraw and return home. 

"Our report emphasised that the current security environment in Bangladesh is not conducive to the playing of cricket in light of the 72 hours nationwide blockade and calls for countrywide dawn to dusk protest," the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said in a statement.

"Travel arrangements are being made to allow for the team's return to the Caribbean as quickly as possible. 

"The team will remain safely accommodated at the team hotel under adequate security protection until departure from Bangladesh."

The East Asian country has faced escalating protests along with a series of shutdowns and transport blockades led by the main opposition party.

They are demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has governed since 2009 after previously serving as leader between 1996 and 2011, step down and elections be held under a non-party administration.

Opposition protests are taking place against Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ©AFP/Getty Images



More than 60 people have been killed in the country since the scale of the protests escalated last month. 

If the disorder should continue this could also potentially harm the World Twenty20 Cup, featuring 16 teams, which is due to be held in Bangladesh next February.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, have played down the extent of these security risks and have urged the West Indies to reverse their decision to abandon their tour.

BCB President Nazmul Hassan says once the General Elections are held, planned to be on January 5, the violence is likely to dissipate.

"The impact won't be severe," he insisted.

"The situation can't be like this all the time and we are hoping that before the start of the World Twenty20 there will be a solution to our political situation.

"If there is no solution then the games won't work, but by January all these solutions will come.

"So I am not worried about the future games, I am not worried about the World Twenty20s and I am hopeful that all the instability will be over by December."