For the first time since the collapse of the Awami League government, of which he was a member, Shakib Al Hasan will be playing in Bangladesh for the Test series against South Africa next month, and the BCB is optimistic that he won’t face any difficulties getting back.
The most well-known cricketer in Bangladesh, Shakib, was one of 147 individuals named in a Dhaka murder case last month. He was elected to the parliament in January of this year. Shakib was playing in the Global T20 League in Canada on August 5, the day Sheikh Hasina abruptly resigned as prime minister and left Bangladesh amid widespread anti-government rallies. He then went to Pakistan for a Test series, returned to Surrey to play a county match, and is currently in India for another Test series. He never was in Bangladesh during or after the protests.
The issue in question concerns the death of Mohammed Rubel, who passed away two days after being injured by gunfire during the protests on August 5. The BCB’s cricket operations chief, Shahriar Nafees, stated on Monday that Shakib will not be “harassed” after the country’s caretaker administration made it clear.
“I think the honorable chief adviser, law adviser, and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan,” Nafees said. “There is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed. We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, I personally don’t see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh in the home series.”
Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s legal advisor, had previously expressed his expectation last month that Shakib wouldn’t be detained in relation to the case. “There’s only a case filed against Shakib. I hope he will not be arrested. I have come to know that the police forces have been asked to show as much restraint as possible in case something incredible happens.”
Shakib’s Bangladeshi teammates showed their support for him shortly after hearing that he was named in the case; they sent messages on their own social media pages. However, criticism has also been leveled at him for remaining silent during the huge student-led rallies in July and August. While many of his fellow countrymen have discussed the protests and the deaths of people, particularly students, Shakib has chosen not to.
Bangladesh will play the second test against India in Kanpur. The all-rounder’s availability for the same is subject to his fitness after being hit on the finger while batting in the first test.
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