Veteran Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has been charged with murder in a shocking development that has sent ripples through the cricketing world and Bangladesh’s political landscape. The 37-year-old all-rounder, currently on tour with the Bangladesh national team in Pakistan, faces allegations related to the death of a garment factory worker in Dhaka.
Local media reported on Friday that Shakib, along with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been named in a first information report (FIR) filed at a Dhaka police station. The victim’s father lodged the complaint on Thursday, accusing the cricketer and the ousted politician of involvement in the worker’s death.
This charge comes amidst significant political unrest in Bangladesh. Hasina, who led the now-dissolved Bangladesh parliament, was forced to flee the country in early August following mass protests. Shakib, a former member of parliament under Hasina’s leadership, has remained silent on the ongoing political crisis.
Despite the serious allegations, the interim government granted permission for Shakib to participate in the two-Test series against Pakistan. The first Test began on Wednesday in Rawalpindi, with Bangladesh cricket officials seemingly prioritizing Shakib’s on-field contributions over the political controversy.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed confidence in Shakib’s professionalism, stating at a press conference, “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 added, “I hope he will do something special in this series.“
Shakib’s inclusion in the squad has sparked protests in Dhaka, with some Bangladeshis criticizing his silence as demonstrators clashed with security forces. Former Bangladesh Cricket Board member Rafiqul Islam voiced disapproval of Shakib’s continued participation in the national team.
The political turmoil has also affected the team’s preparation, forcing them to arrive in Pakistan four days early to make up for missed practice sessions in Dhaka. The Pakistan Cricket Board accommodated this request to ensure the tourists had adequate preparation time.
As Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder, Shakib has amassed 4,505 runs in 67 Tests and claimed 237 wickets, the highest for any Bangladesh bowler in Test cricket. His performance in the ongoing series will be closely watched, not only for its cricketing significance but also in light of the serious allegations he now faces.
The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 30 in Rawalpindi, as the cricketing world awaits further developments in this unprecedented situation involving one of Bangladesh’s most prominent athletes.
