Aminul Haque, Bangladesh’s state minister for youth and sports, announced on Monday that the government is working to resolve the uncertainty surrounding India’s proposed cricket tour of Bangladesh scheduled for September. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been monitoring the situation closely, as political tensions between the two nations have cast doubt on the series’ future.
Speculation regarding a potential breakdown in diplomatic relations intensified after ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a virtual press conference from Delhi on August 5. However, speaking on the sidelines of a football match in Dhaka on August 10, Haque dismissed the idea that the political climate would derail sporting ties. “No no no… I don’t think so,” he stated, emphasizing that sports serve as a vital bridge for fostering positive relationships with neighboring countries.
Haque confirmed that he has initiated discussions with the Foreign Minister to address the tour’s status. “It is being worked on at the ministerial level. I have already spoken to the Foreign Minister today, and they are also talking to the Indian Foreign Minister,” he explained. The minister expressed a strong desire to maintain cordial relations, stating, “We strongly want to maintain the cordiality and friendly relationship between Bangladesh and India, including the cricket series. Inshallah, we are hopeful that it will be resolved very soon.”
A significant development occurred earlier on Monday when the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met with Prime Minister Tareque Rahman. This meeting provided a sense of relief for the BCB. Haque noted that the Foreign Ministries of both nations are actively engaged in dialogue to move past the tensions that arose during the recent World Cup. “They are very hopeful that the tension that arose over the last World Cup will be resolved soon. We are hopeful that, Inshallah, this problem will be resolved,” he concluded.
Ever since ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and some members of her party were allowed to host a virtual press conference in Delhi on August 5, there was a feeling floating around that suggested both countries were no
Animul, however, begs to differ while talking to on the sidelines of a football match at Dhaka on Monday (August 10).
I think sports means sports, and through sports a good relationship is created with all our neighboring countries,” Aminul told this website, following Hasina’s August 5 presser.
