Bangladesh finds itself navigating a delicate balance between sporting ambition and security concerns, as the country’s cricket team was denied travel to India, while the shooting team received government approval to participate in the Asian Championship in Delhi. This contrasting treatment has sparked widespread debate about sports administration and the prioritisation of national teams.
After Bangladesh’s cricket team was unable to travel to India for the World Cup due to security considerations, questions have emerged regarding the potential long-term impact on cricket, the nation’s number one sport. Analysts and fans alike are asking whether such setbacks could gradually erode the game’s standing in the country. Any future decisions by the government that appear inconsistent, such as permitting one team to travel while restricting another, risk fuelling public criticism and controversy.
In this context, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has come under scrutiny after granting permission for the shooting team’s participation. Ministry Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam explained yesterday, “The shooting team has received a government order (GO) to travel, as a comprehensive security review indicated no significant threat. Shooting competitions are conducted in controlled environments, and the events are held indoors. Furthermore, discussions with the organisers have provided sufficient reassurance regarding security measures.”
The Shooting Federation had formally applied for the GO last week. Olympic-bound shooter Robiul Islam will compete in the event, accompanied by his coach, Sharmin Akter. Once issued, the GO was routed through the National Sports Council to the Office of the Adviser on Youth and Sports for final approval. The team had faced uncertainty due to the delayed response, with the competition approaching rapidly, but official clearance was finally granted yesterday.
On the other hand, the cricket team’s cancelled tour was partly attributed by Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam to the host nation and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “The ICC issued guidelines regarding security, but neither India nor the BCCI reassured us directly. Had they done so, the situation might have been different,” he said.
Robiul Islam expressed confidence in the decision, noting, “I trust the Federation and the Ministry to have considered all security factors. My focus is entirely on performance, and I am fully prepared to compete.”
It should be noted that, because shooters carry firearms, approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs is also required. Robiul is currently awaiting this final clearance before departure.
Summary Table: Bangladesh Teams’ Status
| Sport | Event | Travel Status | Reason/Notes | Key Personnel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket | World Cup in India | Not allowed | Security concerns; host nation/BCCI provided no reassurance | N/A |
| Shooting | Asian Championship, Delhi | Approved | Indoor, controlled environment; Ministry satisfied with security | Robiul Islam (Shooter), Sharmin Akter (Coach) |
This episode underscores the challenges Bangladesh faces in ensuring athlete safety while maintaining international sporting commitments, highlighting the complex interplay between government policy, sports federations, and host nations.