Bangladesh and Nepal discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties through cricket and sports diplomacy when Nepal's ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanashyam Bhandari, met State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque at his Bangladesh Secretariat office on Thursday.
The meeting also focused on expanding sports and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Ghanashyam Bhandari thanked the Bangladesh government and people for their timely support to Nepal following the devastating floods and mudslides in the country's northern region.
Highlighting the strong political relations between the neighbours, the Nepalese Ambassador said there are opportunities for further cooperation through cultural and sports exchanges.
"Bangladesh and Nepal enjoy excellent political relations. However, there is ample scope to further strengthen this relationship through cultural exchanges and sports," he said.
Ghanashyam Bhandari proposed a bilateral cricket series, noting that the two countries had not played a bilateral series in recent times.
"Especially for our people affected by the recent disasters, inspiration is needed. We request Bangladesh to organize a T20 series. Our team is fully prepared to tour Bangladesh."
Likewise, we are also prepared to welcome the Bangladesh team to Nepal,†said the Ambassador.
State Minister for Sports Md Aminul Haque welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to using sports diplomacy to promote regional cooperation.
"We strongly believe in sports diplomacy and are already working to expand cooperation in different sports," he said.
The State Minister asked the Nepalese Ambassador to submit a formal proposal. Bangladesh would then discuss the matter with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and take necessary steps.
Aminul Haque also suggested using Nepal's geographical advantages to improve the training and capabilities of Bangladeshi athletes, particularly by creating opportunities for them in mountaineering and related sports.
The meeting highlighted the potential for closer Bangladesh-Nepal ties through expanded sporting and cultural exchanges, with cricket identified as a key area of cooperation.
