Dhaka: 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 today (Thursday). The meeting also focused on expanding sports and cultural exchanges between the two countries. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ghanashyam Bhandari expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government and its 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 neighbors, the Nepalese Ambassador emphasized the opportunities for further cooperation through cultural and sports exchanges. Ghanashyam Bhandari proposed a bilateral cricket series, noting that the two countries had not played a bilateral series in recent times. He stated that especially for people affected by the recent disasters, a source of i nspiration is needed, and requested Bangladesh to organize a T20 series, indicating that the Nepalese team is fully prepared to tour Bangladesh. He also expressed readiness to welcome the Bangladesh team to Nepal. State Minister for Sports Md. Aminul Haque welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to using sports diplomacy to promote regional cooperation. He stated that Bangladesh strongly believes in sports diplomacy and is already working to expand cooperation in different sports. The State Minister requested the Nepalese Ambassador to submit a formal proposal, after which Bangladesh would discuss the matter with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and take necessary steps. Aminul Haque also suggested leveraging 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.
