Auckland, New Zealand: Bangladesh hope their ‘remarkable’ progress into the World Cup quarter-finals will help the passionate cricketing nation build for the future and compete on a regular basis with stronger rivals.

Ranked number nine in the one-day standings, Bangladesh defeated number six England to qualify for the knockout round for the first time.

High on confidence after their tough fight against Pool A table-toppers New Zealand on Friday, a match won by the co-hosts by just three wickets, Bangladesh now face defending champions India in the quarter-finals in Melbourne on 19 March.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury described Bangladesh's progress as remarkable.

‘This has been a remarkable success and validates our faith in the team,’ Chowdhury told AFP.

‘It is also important to look at the bigger picture. Achievements like this go a long way in further popularising the game, unearthing talent, drumming up support and attracting opportunities and investment in cricket.’

Chowdhury believed the performance will help in building for the future.

‘There are always challenges in the path of development and progress but we have been patient with our system. We have seen a steady improvement across all formats of the game in recent years,’ he said.

‘I am confident that Bangladesh cricket is ready to take the next step forward.’

They were granted Test status in 2000 but have shown little progress in the five-day format, losing all but seven of their 88 Tests.

Five wins were against Zimbabwe and two against a depleted West Indies.

But in the last few years Bangladesh have shown improvement in one-day internationals and Twenty20 by beating top nations like England, India and Sri Lanka.

Their recent progress has impressed New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

‘I think the development of their skills in general has improved a lot over the last few years. They've always been tough at home,’ said McCullum.

‘But their ability to now travel, I think you're seeing their skills-set develop as well.

‘I think what we saw the other night with a couple of the guys there (against England in Adelaide), the threat that they pose with ball in hand for their quick bowlers is a lot more dangerous than a few years ago.

‘So I guess that is the sheer weight of numbers as well that Bangladesh possesses, and the passion for the game is starting to flow through so you're starting to see talent rise to the top, and they'll become a very tough proposition over the next few years.’

Bangladesh's chief selector Faruque Ahmed predicted the team will continue to improve after the World Cup.

‘This World Cup showing means a lot to us,’ Ahmed told AFP. "We have great passion for the game which is evident in all corners of the country and by watching the Bangladesh team do well will inspire a whole generation.’

Journalist Azad Majumdar said recent performances will boost Bangladesh's status at international level as well as their coffers.

‘A quarter-final berth will give them a financial boost. Bangladesh badly needed to perform at some level to keep the other countries interested in playing against them. 

‘Bangladesh is slowly becoming a force to reckon with at home. But a quarter-final berth will also now give them confidence to do well abroad.’