The political relations between India and Bangladesh are on an unsure footing at the moment. Arguably, the trend started in mid-2024 when the Awami League were thrown out of power by the public, starting a wave of political transition. However, cricketing ties were going alright, until December 2025.
A month later, Bangladesh officially decided to withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board's government-driven decision to not travel to India was a reaction to Mustafizur Rahman's IPL ouster by Kolkata Knight Riders and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
While this tug of war was obvious, the BCB and Bangladesh government relentlessly maintained that their T20 World Cup boycott was a result of 'security issues' in India. Interestingly, the same Bangladesh government has now given its approval to the national shooting team for a tour to India.
For those unaware, the Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship is being hosted by India with New Delhi as the venue for the tournament. Initially, there was a waiting game for the shooting squad too, much like there was the senior men's cricket team earlier this week. However, the eventual result has turned out to be different.
On Wednesday (January 28), the Bangladesh government officially gave the go-ahead to the shooting team for participation in the Asian shooting event. When asked about the different in the government's stance on shooting and cricket, Bangladesh's Director of National Sports Council, Mohammad Aminul Ehsan had a very interesting argument before the government issued the approval.
“We are considering two things. First, shooting is an indoor sport with limited spectators, unlike cricket which is played in large venues in front of big crowds," said Ehsasn to The Daily Star.
"So there is hardly any security concern. Second, we want to promote friendship through sports. That is why we are hopeful the GO will be issued,” he said.