Former Indian cricket team captain and ex-president of BCCI, Sourav Ganguly, popularly known as Dada in Dhaka, made a private visit to the city on Thursday after several years. Ganguly's visit reignited his long-standing fascination with Bangladesh, and he expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality of his friends in Dhaka.

Speaking to the media in hotel in Dhaka's Gulshan, Ganguly said: "Every time I come here, I get so much love from the people of Dhaka. I sometimes forget if it's India or Bangladesh."

He visited Dhaka to inaugurate a cricket event organized by the Dhaka North City Corporation.

Ganguly's relationship with Bangladesh dates back to 1989 when he played for the U-19 team in the Asia Cup. Since then, he has built many friendships with people in Bangladesh.

The former left-handed batter was India's captain in Bangladesh's maiden Test in 2000. "Many precious moments of my life are in Bangladesh," the former Indian captain said.

During his visit, Ganguly emphasized the significance of sports and music in the lives of young people, urging them to stay connected to these activities and avoid drugs.

Ganguly said the Prime Minister of Bangladesh's efforts to create a drug-free nation and stated that sports can play a vital role in achieving this goal.

Ganguly also noted the many changes he saw in Dhaka since his last visit nine years ago, praising the city's development and urging young people to be a part of it.