Bangladesh has approved the travel of its national shooting team to India for the Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship in New Delhi next month, despite earlier security concerns that led to the cancellation of the men’s cricket team’s tour.
Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam confirmed on Tuesday that the government had granted permission after reviewing all relevant factors. The decision allows leading shooter Rabiul Islam and national coach Sharmin Akter to compete at the championship, which will be held from 2 to 14 February.
“The Bangladesh team consists of just one athlete and one coach, making it a very small group,” Mahbub-ul-Alam said. “In addition, the organisers have assured us that there will be no security issues. The event will be held indoors within a protected area, so we do not anticipate any security concerns. After considering all aspects, the government approved the shooting team’s travel.”
Rabiul Islam, one of Bangladesh’s top shooters, is scheduled to compete on 5 February. He will be the country’s sole athlete at the event, accompanied by Sharmin Akter as coach.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports issued the official government order on Tuesday, clearing the team’s participation. The approval comes weeks after Bangladesh decided not to send its national cricket team to the T20 World Cup in India, citing security risks.
Officials believe the nature of the shooting championship significantly reduces potential threats. The competition will take place indoors and within a secured venue, factors that weighed heavily in the government’s assessment.
Rabiul, who is an athlete of the Bangladesh Navy, holds a special passport that allows him to stay in India for up to seven days without a visa. His coach, Sharmin, will require a visa for the trip. The pair are scheduled to depart for New Delhi on 31 January.
This tournament will mark the Shooting Federation’s first international participation since the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Rabiul noted that competing internationally requires carrying firearms and ammunition, which also necessitates clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Addressing the issue, Mahbub-ul-Alam said, “The Ministry of Youth and Sports issues the government order, and that has already been done.”
