Bangladesh’s response to the suspension of Indian Premier League (IPL) broadcasts in the country was “robust and entirely appropriate” and should not be seen as retaliatory, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has said, dismissing concerns of any economic or trade fallout.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after chairing meetings of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs and the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Salehuddin Ahmed said the issue had no connection with government procurement, international tenders or broader financial decisions.
“There has been no impact at all on our economy,” he said. “Our international tenders and purchases are conducted transparently and independently. Sports or such issues were not even mentioned in our discussions. From my perspective, there is no connection between this matter and our economic decisions.”
The finance adviser said Bangladesh had not initiated the controversy, which centres on cricketer Mustafizur Rahman and developments related to the IPL. He described the situation as unfortunate and regrettable for both countries.
“This didn’t start from Bangladesh. Mustafizur is a very good and famous player. He was selected purely on merit, for technical reasons, not out of any favour. Suddenly restricting him from playing is unfortunate,” he said.
He added that sports should remain separate from politics and warned against allowing emotions to escalate tensions unnecessarily. “We don’t want this to aggravate relations between the two countries,” he said, noting that sporting ties have historically continued even during periods of political strain.
Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, who also briefed the media, echoed similar views, describing the government’s response as proportionate and justified.
“There is always an action and a reaction. We have to be careful so that no one goes overboard,” he said. “When a Bangladeshi player is called and then suddenly withdrawn, a response is expected. I believe the response was proper, robust and appropriate.”
He said Bangladesh’s stance on issues such as IPL broadcasting and discussions around possible venue changes for upcoming international tournaments had sent a clear but measured signal while remaining within reasonable limits.
“This response is not only justified, it is also making the other side reflect,” he said, adding that voices within India itself had raised concerns about politicising sports.
Referring to remarks by Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, the energy adviser said such actions should be avoided in the interest of regional goodwill and the spirit of cricket.
“We hope good sense will prevail from the side where this issue originated. Cricket should continue, and so should our economic and trade relations,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s position, Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh had taken no retaliatory steps and had acted in a balanced manner.
“Bangladesh didn’t initiate anything. A top player was suddenly restricted. The response we gave was completely robust and entirely appropriate. This is simply a reflection of Newton’s third law — every action has a reaction,” he said.
He also noted that sportspersons and cultural figures often serve as informal ambassadors, helping maintain connections between nations when formal diplomacy faces challenges.
“Sportspersons, writers and poets act as bridges between countries. That is why such matters should be handled with sensitivity,” he added.
