Bangladesh, Nepal eye stronger ties through sports diplomacy

Bangladesh and Nepal have expressed interest in strengthening bilateral ties through sports and cultural exchanges, with a T20 cricket series between the two countries emerging as a key proposal.

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari raised the proposal during a meeting with Bangladesh State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday.

Bhandari thanked the Bangladesh Government and people for their timely assistance to Nepal during the recent devastating floods and natural disasters.

Highlighting the strong political ties between the two countries, the ambassador said there was significant scope to deepen relations through sports and cultural exchanges.

He also proposed resuming bilateral cricket fixtures, saying Nepal were ready to travel to Bangladesh for a T20 series or host Bangladesh in Nepal.

Responding positively, Aminul reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to sports diplomacy and asked Bhandari to submit a formal letter of intent so the ministry could initiate discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Aminul also proposed greater cooperation in mountaineering, inviting Nepal to use its geographical advantage to help Bangladeshi athletes develop skills in the sport.