State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque is hopeful that the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming white-ball series against India will be resolved soon, despite ongoing political and diplomatic complications between the two neighbours.
Speaking to reporters after a football tournament in Kalshi, Mirpur, on Monday night, Aminul said the Foreign Ministry was also optimistic following discussions with its Indian counterpart.
“From our side, and I hope after the discussion I had today with our honourable Foreign Minister, he is extremely optimistic,” Aminul said.
“He has already spoken to the Indian Foreign Minister about the issues, and he [the Indian Foreign Minister] responded very positively. Inshallah, we will soon find a way to ensure that the Bangladesh-India series takes place, so that through cricket we can maintain a smooth and friendly relationship between the two countries,” he added.
The bilateral series has come under uncertainty amid heightened political and diplomatic tensions following the recent virtual press conference held by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. Hasina left Bangladesh after the July 2024 uprising.
Bangladesh also skipped the 2026 T20 World Cup in India citing security concerns, a decision Aminul believes contributed to further strain in relations between the two countries.
“Regarding the last T20 World Cup, the previous government made a hasty decision by suddenly deciding not to participate in the World Cup. Personally, as a sportsman, I do not find that acceptable. It was not the right decision,” Aminul said.
“Following that, a sense of uncertainty developed in our relationship with neighbouring India. I have already spoken with our honourable Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs. They have also been in contact with the Indian High Commission as well as the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. We want to resolve this issue quickly through sports,” he added.
