Bangladesh cricketer and former member of parliament Shakib Al Hasan has expressed regret for the lack of attendance in the anti-discrimination student movement. During the July-August agitation, Shakib was busy playing cricket outside the country.
But one of the best all-rounders in the world and the poster boy of Bangladesh did not react during this movement. After a long time, Shakib explained his position through a social media status and expressed his respect and condolences to the martyrs and the injured in the student uprising.
He also explained why he got involved in politics while continuing to play cricket. Shakib wrote, ‘Assalamu Alaikum, respect for the love of every person in my country. Your prayers and love for me have made me the Shakib Al Hasan of today in the court of the world.’
“At the outset I respectfully remember all those self-sacrificing students who were martyred and injured in the student uprising led by the anti-discrimination student movement. My deepest respect and condolences to them and their families. Although nothing can replace the sacrifice of a bereaved family. Nothing can compensate for the pain of losing a child or losing a brother.’
“My respect for the sentiments of those of you who have been hurt or distressed by my absence during this critical time and I am sincerely sorry for that.” If I were in your place, I would probably have lost my mind like this.’
Shakib became a member of Parliament as a candidate for Awami League. He was elected from his district town Magura-1 seat. But he had no political past. He was a very close person of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Being a cricketer, he has had the opportunity to get close to the former prime minister many times. Shakib came to politics mainly because of cricket.
Explaining the reason for joining politics, Shakib wrote, ‘I was a Member of Parliament from Magura-1 constituency for a very short period of time. My involvement in politics was basically to get an opportunity for the development of the people of my birthplace i.e. Magura. You know that in the context of Bangladesh, it is a bit difficult to play a direct role in the development of one’s area without any specific responsibility. And my desire to develop this area makes me interested in becoming a Member of Parliament. However, at the end of the day, I am a Bangladeshi cricketer. Wherever I have been, I have taken cricket from my heart.’
Addressing the billions of Bangladeshi fans, Shakib added, ‘You have taken this cricket forward on the path to gaining the honor of the world’s best all-rounder. Your love and support made me the Shakib Al Hasan of today. When I held the bat on the cricket field for the country, you all held the bat with me. Your shouts from the gallery, your support has inspired me to play well. Crowds in front of televisions in tea shops on cricket match days – gave me energy. If I win, you all win. If I lose, you all lose.’
After the fall of the government, Shakib has not yet returned to Bangladesh. In the meantime, a murder case has been registered in his name. The Bangladesh Security and Exchange Commission fined Sakib Tk 50 lakh for breaking the securities law by manipulating the shares of Paramount Insurance in the capital market.
Shakib wants to retire after playing the Test against South Africa at home. Having made such a demand, he has added conditions. Going to and from the country; Shakib will come to Bangladesh to play the Test series if he can do both naturally or to be more precise, feel safe while in the country and if he is guaranteed to leave the country if necessary.
At this time, Shakib wants the audience to be with him as before, ‘You know, very soon I am going to play my last match. You have driven this entire journey from the beginning of my cricket career to becoming today’s Shakib Al Hasan.’
‘The whole story of this cricket is written by you! So in my last match, the last chapter of this story, I want you by my side. I want to say goodbye with all of you. In farewell, I want to hold the hands of those people whose applause made me play well. In farewell, I want to look into the eyes of those people, whose eyes have been filled with joy at my good game. Again in my bad game whose eyes have tricked.’
‘I hope—not just hope—that you will all be with me in this farewell. Everyone will draw the end of that story together, the hero of the story – not me, you!’
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