A murder case has been filed against Bangladesh’s renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, accusing him of involvement in the killing of a garment factory worker. The case, filed by the victim’s father, also mentions former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The 37-year-old all-rounder was previously a member of the now-dissolved parliament led by Sheikh Hasina. The political climate in Bangladesh has been turbulent, with Hasina fleeing the country in early August following widespread protests.
Despite the political upheaval, the interim government granted Shakib Al Hasan permission to participate in the ongoing two-Test series against Pakistan. The first Test commenced on Wednesday, with Shakib joining the squad in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, addressed the media on August 20, expressing confidence in Shakib’s ability to focus on cricket amidst the controversy. “He has played this game for so long, so he knows his role and how to prepare himself. I am not thinking about his political career,” Shanto stated. He further added, “He is a professional cricketer, we all treat him as a cricketer, to be honest. I hope he will do something special in this series.”
Shakib’s cricketing achievements are significant, with 4,505 runs and 237 wickets in 67 Tests, making him Bangladesh’s most successful bowler in the format. However, his continued presence in the team has sparked protests in Dhaka, with critics like former Bangladesh Cricket Board member Rafiqul Islam condemning his silence during the violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
The unrest in Dhaka has disrupted the team’s preparations, preventing them from holding practice sessions. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board extended an invitation for the team to arrive four days early, allowing them some respite and time to prepare for the series.