Veteran Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has been charged with the alleged murder of a garment factory worker in Dhaka, according to local media reports on Friday. The charge comes as Shakib, currently on a Pakistan tour with the Bangladesh national team, faces serious legal accusations. The charge sheet also includes former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with the complaint filed by the victim’s father at a Dhaka police station.
Shakib, who is 37 years old, was previously a member of the now-dissolved Bangladesh parliament under Hasina’s leadership. Hasina has been in exile since early August due to widespread protests. Despite the political turmoil, Shakib has continued his cricketing commitments, featuring in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. The interim government permitted his participation in these matches, with the first Test having commenced on Wednesday.
Bangladesh’s team captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, expressed confidence in Shakib’s professionalism during a press conference in Rawalpindi on August 20. Shanto emphasized that Shakib’s focus remains on cricket despite the political backdrop, stating, “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 further noted, “I don’t think so because he is a professional cricketer; we all treat him as a cricketer, to be honest,” and expressed hope that Shakib would excel in the series.
Shakib Al Hasan, known for his all-rounder capabilities, has amassed 4,505 runs and 237 wickets in 67 Test matches, making him the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Test cricket. His continued inclusion in the team has sparked protests in Dhaka, where some critics, including former Bangladesh Cricket Board member Rafiqul Islam, have condemned him for remaining silent during clashes between protesters and security forces.
The unrest in Dhaka has disrupted the team’s practice sessions, leading to the Pakistan Cricket Board inviting the Bangladesh squad to arrive four days earlier than planned to compensate for the lack of preparation. The second Test of the series will take place at the same Rawalpindi stadium starting August 30.
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