Shahriar Nafees, the Cricket Operations Chief of BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) assured the national government that cricketer-politician Shakib Al Hasan will not be harassed when he returns to his home country.
With disturbed unrest in Bangladesh, the 37-year-old former skipper was one of those 147 people named in a murder case that occurred in Dhaka. Earlier, an individual, Mohammed Rubel’s death, reportedly accused Shakib Al Hasan of being the reason for it during the protest. The incident took place on 5th August and within a few days of time Shakib was accused of murder.
While speaking to reporters on 24th September 2024, Shahriar Nafees declared that the Bangladesh Government will take severe action against those who harass or unfairly treat Shakib Al Hasan. Also, he expressed that he feels there is no strong reason to point out or keep Shakib away from playing home matches unless he is facing any injury.
Bangladesh Law Advisor confirms Shakib won’t be Arrested
In August 2024, Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s law advisor clarified that Shakib Al Hasan will not be arrested regarding this case as he sees no proper connection in it.
Also, Asif Nazrul has confirmed that police forces will be taking necessary steps and said that:
“Look! As of now, it is just that a case has been filed against Shakib in which I strongly don’t see any point that he will be arrested concerning any connection. Also, I heard that the police department is alert about this, as they have been instructed to maintain precautionary steps so that something terrible doesn’t happen.”
BCB Cricket Operation Chief Shahriar Nafees about Shakib Al Hasan
Former Bangladesh cricketer, Shahriar Nafees after retirement was offered the position in the Cricket operation department. Being the chief of that department, he clarified a few things saying:
“Yeah! Already, the advisors in the relevant fields of law and sports department have cleared this matter regarding Shakib Al Hasan. In addition, once again Bangladesh government has clarified that Shakib Al Hasan or anyone else will not be harassed unfairly in the filed cases. And, we believe that the government presently in place has its stand clear regarding Shakib’s matter. Unless Shakib is facing any kind of injuries or issues related to his selection in the team, there is no point in abandoning him from playing for Bangladesh in the home series,” Shahriar Nafees said.
What is the Reason behind the hatred and accusation of Shakib Al Hasan in the Political Murder Case?
One of the main reasons why Shakib Al Hasan is being targeted is that other Bangladeshi cricketers have spoken about the protest except him. Being a member of parliament of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League Party, his silence caused frustration amongst the public, especially the youngsters whose mates were martyred in the protest.
Students’ protest became so furious that it led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and leaving the country. Unfortunately, this protest has seen many deaths as Shakib was accused of the death of Mohammed Rubel. There were 146 members including Shakib Al Hasan to be named for the political murder case.
Bangladeshi Cricketer Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib’s teammate, has spoken about the student protest and indeed dedicated his “Player of the Series” award (achieved in the recently concluded 2-match test series against Pakistan) to those students who have lost their lives in the protest. Also, Mehidy said, “Exactly! Bangladesh has been seeing so much of problems in recent times and I dedicate this award to those students who were martyred during the protest. Moreover, there was a rickshaw-puller who was hurt severely during that violence and injury caused death, so I want to dedicate this award to him and gift this to their family.”
While other cricketers have been responding, Shakib’s silence has led to targeting and accusing him in the political murder case.
Shakib Al Hasan doubtful for Kanpur Test, INDIA vs. BANGLADESH
Earlier, Shakib Al Hasan got injured while Jasprit Bumrah’s lightning-fast delivery struck the hands of a Bangladeshi all-rounder cricketer. That severe injury had forced Shakib to take a long break from bowling in the Test.
The member of the selection panel in BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board), Hannan Sarkar declared that the final decision regarding Shakib Al Hasan’s availability can be confirmed only after observing him during two training sessions in Kanpur. Hannan spoke to the reporters in Chennai on 23rd September and said “Certainly! We will be journeying to Kanpur on 24th September 2024. And, there we will have two practice sessions and only after that we be able to judge Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for the second Test. As of now, we do not wish to make any sort of decision based on the present scenario, so let us scrutinize and declare it officially,” Hannan Sarkar clarified
