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the cricket team’s tour was turned down on security grounds, he said the government was treating the two matters as separate cases.

“Only a shooter and a coach are travelling there. The competition venue is fully secured, and the involvement of general spectators is very limited. We have also been assured by the hosts that there is no security threat,” Mahbub told The Daily Star yesterday.

He also informed that Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul had spoken with Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation general secretary Ferdows Ara Khanom before giving the green signal for issuing the government order.

Earlier in the day, National Sports Council (NSC) Director (Sports) Mohammad Aminul Ahsan said they were optimistic about receiving the GO, as all required documents had already been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

“We are considering two things. First, shooting is an indoor sport with limited spectators, unlike cricket, which is played in large venues before large crowds, so there is minimal security concern. Second, we want to promote friendship through sports,” he said.

While Robiul, being an employee of the defence forces, only requires a GO to travel to India, Sharmin will need to apply for a visa.

The championships will mark Robiul’s first international appearance since the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He has been training since January 4 under Sharmin’s guidance.