Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed has said the recent controversy surrounding Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the Indian Premier League (IPL) has taken on an unnecessary political tone and does not bode well for either Bangladesh or India, though he stressed that it will have no bearing on Bangladesh’s economic or financial decision-making.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after a meeting of the Government Procurement Advisory Council Committee at the Secretariat, Salehuddin sought to downplay speculation that the incident could negatively affect bilateral relations or economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
“The incident involving Mustafizur Rahman is regrettable. What happened did not originate from Bangladesh. It does not bode well for either country,” the finance advisor said, responding to questions about the broader implications of the issue.
No impact on economic decisions: Journalists asked Salehuddin whether the cricketer’s exclusion from the IPL and the subsequent suspension of IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh could affect future relations with India, especially at a time when the government has repeatedly expressed its intention to improve ties with New Delhi.
“There has been no impact here,” he said firmly. “In the procurement committee meeting today, not a single word about sports was mentioned.” He further emphasised that, from a financial and economic standpoint, the controversy would not influence policy decisions or ongoing engagements.
“From my perspective, I don’t see any impact. It will have no effect on the rational decisions we are taking or on our economic dealings,” Salehuddin added, underscoring that economic policymaking remains insulated from emotional or political reactions linked to sports-related developments.
According to officials present at the meeting, discussions at the procurement committee focused on routine approval of government purchases and infrastructure-related expenditures, with no reference to geopolitical or cultural issues.
olitical overtones questioned: However, when journalists pointed out that the matter extended beyond finance and trade into the realm of bilateral relations, Salehuddin refrained from commenting directly. “I cannot speak on bilateral relations,” he said. “The foreign affairs advisor was present here. You can ask him.”
The issue has attracted heightened public attention, particularly because it has unfolded just a few months ahead of Bangladesh’s national election. Asked whether the incident had acquired a political dimension in the pre-election context, the finance advisor offered a more nuanced response.
“Look at the context,” he said. “It did not start from Bangladesh. Mustafizur is a good cricketer, a well-known cricketer. Those who selected him did so after much consideration. They were not doing him a favour. Then to suddenly drop him is very unfortunate.”
His remarks echoed concerns expressed by analysts that decisions in high-profile sporting events can sometimes be perceived as politically motivated, whether intended or not, especially in a sensitive regional environment.
‘An emotional reaction’: Salehuddin also appeared to suggest that the response to the incident, particularly the suspension of IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh, was driven more by emotion than strategic calculation.
“Even during Hitler’s time there were Olympics. Didn’t people go?” he said, drawing a historical analogy. “Even though people hated Hitler, they still went. I think this was an emotional reaction. If both sides show a little consideration, it can be resolved.”
Industry insiders say the temporary halt of IPL broadcasts has implications not only for viewers but also for advertisers and broadcasters, who rely on the tournament for significant seasonal revenue. However, the finance advisor maintained that such commercial effects fall outside the scope of government policy intervention.
Broader context of Bangladesh-India ties: Bangladesh and India share deep economic, cultural and strategic ties, with bilateral trade exceeding billions of dollars annually. India remains one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners, while Bangladesh is a key destination for Indian exports in South Asia.
Economists note that while sporting controversies can strain public sentiment, they rarely derail long-term economic cooperation unless amplified by sustained diplomatic tensions. Salehuddin’s comments appeared aimed at reassuring markets and stakeholders that no such escalation is expected.
“There is no reason to link this incident with our economic engagement,” a senior finance ministry official told Daily Industry on condition of anonymity. “Trade, investment and development cooperation follow their own institutional processes.”
NBR bifurcation still on track: During the same briefing, Salehuddin Ahmed also addressed questions on the planned bifurcation of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), a key reform initiative under discussion for months.
When asked why the bifurcation had not been completed by the previously announced deadline of 31 December, he said the process was still moving forward.
“It didn’t happen by then,” he admitted. “Let’s see if it happens by 12 February. All formalities are complete. There is just a small matter remaining. It will happen. It will be done during the interim government’s tenure.”
The proposed bifurcation of the NBR-separating tax policy from tax administration-has been a long-standing demand of economists and development partners, who argue it would improve efficiency, transparency and revenue mobilisation.
Call for restraint: Analysts believe the finance advisor’s remarks signal a broader call for restraint and perspective amid rising sensitivities ahead of the election.
“Sports should not become a proxy battlefield for politics or diplomacy,” said a Dhaka-based policy analyst. “Salehuddin Ahmed’s comments reflect an effort to keep economic governance insulated from populist pressures.”
