News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd August 2024
Shakib Al Hasan, the former captain of the Bangladesh cricket team and one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures, has been named in a serious legal case linked to the recent protests in Bangladesh. The cricketer, alongside 146 others, is accused in a murder case connected to the violence that erupted during the demonstrations in August. According to reports from Dhaka’s Adabor police station, Shakib is listed as the 27th or 28th individual in the First Information Report (FIR) filed in the case, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
The case revolves around the tragic death of Mohammed Rubel, a garment worker who was fatally injured during a rally on Ring Road in Adabor, Dhaka. Rubel’s father, Rafiqul Islam, lodged the complaint on Thursday, alleging that his son suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen while participating in the protests. The injuries proved fatal, leading to Rubel’s death and sparking further unrest.
It is important to note that Shakib Al Hasan was not in Bangladesh at the time of the protests. While the violence unfolded, Shakib was in Canada, where he was leading the Bangla Tigers Mississauga in the Global T20 Canada league. This geographical disconnect has led to significant questions about his involvement in the case.
The Daily Star reported that the FIR alleges that some of the accused, including those named in the complaint, fired on the protesting students, which included Rubel, on August 5. This shooting resulted in Rubel’s fatal injuries. The unrest between July 16 and August 4 reportedly saw over 400 deaths, according to estimates from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, although some sources suggest the death toll could be even higher.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has also shifted significantly following the unrest. The fall of the Awami League led to the establishment of an interim government, which has overseen major changes within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Former captain Faruque Ahmed has been appointed as the president of the BCB. In addition to his cricketing career, Shakib, who is currently participating in the Rawalpindi Test against Pakistan, had recently entered politics, winning a parliamentary seat earlier this year from his hometown of Magura.
Shakib Al Hasan is renowned for his impressive cricketing career, having played 67 Tests, 247 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 129 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in the world, amassing over 14,500 international runs and 703 wickets across formats. His presence in international cricket extends beyond national duties, with regular appearances in major franchise leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
As the situation develops, Shakib’s involvement in the case will be closely scrutinized, particularly given his high profile and the serious nature of the accusations. The legal proceedings and their outcomes will be pivotal in determining the cricketer’s future both in the sport and in his new political role.
