Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) – The foreign ministry has agreed with the Ministry of Youth and Sports on the decision not to travel to India to play, following the exclusion of cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, citing security concerns, foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain said today.      

Bangladesh has decided not to travel to India to participate in the T20 World Cup, as Indian agencies may find it difficult to ensure security amid ongoing anti-Bangladesh activities and rhetoric by Hindutva groups.

“If our team goes, it will not be just the team—supporters will also travel to watch the matches. Their safety is also a concern. How can we be assured that they will remain safe”, Touhid said while speaking to journalists at the foreign ministry here this afternoon. 

The adviser said that he fully supported the position earlier stated by Adviser Asif Nazrul, explaining that while an individual cricketer might travel for a short duration, sending the national team would also involve supporters travelling to attend matches, raising broader security concerns.

Given the prevailing situation, Touhid Hossain said it would be unrealistic to expect Indian authorities to guarantee adequate security, adding, “Considering this, we have decided that we will play, but outside India.”

Responding to questions about Bangladesh’s continued import of oil and rice from India despite the decision, he said the government would not undermine its own interests, stressing that the safety of Bangladeshi nationals remains paramount.

“If importing rice serves our interests, particularly if it is available at a lower price and necessary for the country, I see no problem in doing so,” he added.

Replying to a question, the adviser said visa issuance remains temporarily halted at three Bangladesh mission offices in India due to security considerations.

Regarding reports of purchasing fighter aircraft from Pakistan, Touhid Hossain said discussions on the matter are ongoing.

The foreign adviser informed the reporters that he is scheduled to leave Dhaka tomorrow (Friday) to attend a multilateral forum to be held in Saudi Arabia.