In an unexpected move, renowned Bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has publicly apologised to the nation for his silence during the crucial student-led protests in Bangladesh. These protests, marked by tragic loss of life and widespread unrest, highlighted the struggles against discrimination faced by many students in the country. These remarks, articulated through a heartfelt message on Shakib’s Facebook page, were expressed as he prepares to bid farewell to international cricket with his final Test match.
In his emotional apology, the veteran all-rounder paid homage to those who lost their lives or were injured during what he termed the “people’s uprising.” “Firstly, I would like to pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives, led the anti-discrimination movement, and were martyred or injured during the people’s uprising,” Shakib wrote, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made. He extended his condolences to the affected families and admitted that his silence might have felt like a betrayal to those hoping for his vocal support. “Nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother,” he continued, reaching out to those hurt by his inaction. “To those of you who were hurt by my silence during this critical period, I respect your feelings and sincerely apologise.”
The controversy began while Shakib was leading the Bangla Tigers Mississauga in the Global T20 Canada, choosing not to speak out about the growing turmoil back home. Adding to the complexity of the situation, Shakib, who was serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) with the Awami League-led government, found himself embroiled in a legal challenge. An FIR was filed against him and several other Awami League leaders in a murder case related to the protests while he was representing the Bangla Tigers in a Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
Shakib is now poised to play his farewell Test against South Africa, set to begin on October 21. As anticipation builds for this significant event in his cricketing career, Shakib has urged authorities to ensure comprehensive security measures. However, the Bangladeshi Cricket Board (BCB) president, Faruque Ahmed, stated that security guarantees could not be assured, a statement that further complicates Shakib’s upcoming match preparations.
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In his candid Facebook post, Shakib also shed light on his decision to pursue a political career, despite having achieved considerable success on the cricket field. He revealed that his brief tenure as an MP from the Magura-1 constituency was driven by a desire to bring about development in his hometown, Magura. “It is difficult to directly impact the development of one’s area without a specific role in Bangladesh,” Shakib explained, reflecting on the challenges of effecting change from outside the political framework. Nonetheless, Shakib remained clear about his primary identity: “At the end of the day, my primary identity is as a cricketer for Bangladesh. No matter where I have been or in what position, I have always carried cricket in my heart.”
As he gears up for this emotional farewell, Shakib has called on the cricket fans of Bangladesh to rally behind him. “You all know that I will soon be playing my last match… I want to say goodbye with all of you around,” he expressed, emphasizing the deep connection he feels with those who have supported him throughout his career. He noted, “At the moment of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause compelled me to play better. I want to meet the eyes of those who cheered in joy when I played well and whose eyes welled up with tears when I did not.” With heartfelt sincerity, Shakib asked for the presence and support of his fans to be with him at this pivotal moment, encouraging them to close the chapter that stars not just himself, but all of those who have stood by him along his cricketing journey.
Shakib Al Hasan’s public apology and his reflective words as he approaches the end of an era in Bangladeshi cricket have sparked discussions across the nation. His decision to address both his political silence and the impact of his cricketing career underscores a moment of introspection, highlighting the challenges faced by public figures in balancing multiple roles and expectations. The cricketing community, along with the broader public, now awaits his final demonstration on the field, a match that promises to be emotional, not just for Shakib, but for his legion of fans as well.
