Shakib Al Hasan, prominent all-rounder and former captain of Bangladesh cricket team, is getting ready to play his final Test match at home against South Africa starting from 21st October (Monday). This is a much-anticipated Test farewell, which is reportedly scheduled to take place in Dhaka. And, with this farewell Test at home, Shakib has declared about concluding his Test career in front of his fans belonging to his nation.
On 26th September, in Kanpur, Shakib Al Hasan confirmed his retirement with his long-time wish to conclude his Test career in his home at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (Also known as the Mirpur Stadium) located in Dhaka.
At the same time, Shakib had earlier expressed his anxieties and fears about coming back to Bangladesh. Being a member of Parliament, belonging to the Awami League Party whose other leaders were arrested on 5th August, recently on 17th October 2024, Shakib Al Hasan informed Local media, that he would not return to Bangladesh due to security concerns.
BCB President Denies Security for Shakib Al Hasan
The newly appointed president of BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board), Mr. Faruque Ahmed, has denied Shakib Al Hasan’s request for his security while returning to his nation.
Faruque had responded to Shakib’s demand by stating that Bangladesh’s Board is not any kind of security agency and that it keeps him protected in vigilance. Thus, the new president of BCB has declared that the board does not guarantee any protection.
Sports Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim Government assures Shakib’s safety with a condition
Amidst the request and denial of providing security to Shakib Al Hasan, the sports advisor to Bangladesh’s interim Government, Mr. Asif Mahmud responded to this issue. Asif has stated assurance that Shakib would get the security after his political position becomes clear.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Apology to Bangladesh Students
Bangladesh’s civil unrest made Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign from her position and ouster in the country. Regarding this issue, Shakib Al Hasan recently issued an apology for remaining silent despite being a Member of Parliament representing the Awami League party.
Shakib Al Hasan posted an apology on his official Facebook page saying:
“See! Firstly, I respectfully pay my homage and condolences to all those students who have laid down their lives and lost it during the anti-discriminatory movement, and were massacred or seriously injured during the people’s revolts,”
Further, Shakib Al Hasan added about the value of the student’s lives, saying:
“Yes! I understand the value of their lives, as any sacrifice will not make up for the loss of a dearly loved one. And, I am well aware of it that, nothing can fill the void caused by losing one’s child or siblings. I respect the feelings of you all who were affected by my silence during this distressing period, and I wholeheartedly apologize to each one of you.”
Shakib Al Hasan Expresses His Heartfelt Love Toward Fans
Adding on to the above statements, Shakib Al Hasan also passed another message to the Bangladesh fans, stating:
“Thanks! As you all are very well aware, I am going to conclude my Test career by playing my last match. I always wanted to bid my farewell to my Test career by having you all around me and saying goodbye by playing it in the home ground. During the warm farewell, I wish to shake hands with those supportive people whose applause has made me a better cricketer day by day,”.
Also, Shakib conveyed his heartfelt respect and love towards his fans who have always supported him unconditionally, saying: “Absolutely! I would want to gaze into the eyes of those who have always supported and backed me with a feeling of pride if I played well and the eyes that were filled with tears when I couldn’t perform well. During this farewell, I will feel as if I am having all of you with me, and together we will conclude the Test career that began not just me, but you all.”
Security Concerns STOP Shakib Al Hasan from returning to Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s former captain Shakib Al Hasan had retired from International cricket and was about to conclude his Test career by playing his last match on his home ground. But as of 17th October 2024, Shakib Al Hasan had informed the local media (bdnews24) that he would not be able to return to Bangladesh due to his security issues. Shakib Al Hasan would possibly be missing this opportunity to play the last time for his country.
In addition, the sports advisor to the interim government, Mr. Asif Mahmud, had advised the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) to try to prevent Shakib Al Hasan from returning to his country due to public anger.
As Shakib Al Hasan was listed in the Bangladesh Squad and if everything had gone well as expected, he would have been playing the 1st Test of the series beginning on 21st October 2024.
I Cannot return to Bangladesh: Says Shakib Al Hasan due to Security threats
Although Shakib Al Hasan had conveyed his respectful apology through a post on his official Facebook page, still the public anger didn’t seem to diminish. In addition to this, the Sports Advisor Mr. Asif Mahmud had warned Shakib not to return to Bangladesh.
Keeping the security concerns in mind, Shakib Al Hasan has announced that he will not be returning to Bangladesh, saying:
“Yeah! Everything was confirmed, and I was about to return Home. But now I don’t think it will be possible for me to step into Bangladesh due to security issues. I cannot return to Bangladesh, which is completely regarding my security and safety.”
Asif Mahmud, the sports advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government cabinet, has stated:
“Possibly! The nation’s recent protests have ended. But the public anger has not yet come to an end and to avoid unwanted incidents. So, it is recommended that Shakib Al Hasan does not return to Bangladesh.”
