In July, as student protests across Bangladesh reached their peak, Shakib Al Hasan was in the United States playing in the Major League Cricket (MLC). While several top cricketers from Bangladesh made posts advocating for “peace” and calling for an end to “violence,” Shakib remained silent. After finishing his stint in the U.S., he went to Canada to play in the Global T20 tournament. On August 5, when the Awami League government fell, and on August 6, when the 12th Parliament was dissolved, Shakib was still in Canada.
Since then, Shakib hasn’t set foot in Bangladesh. He was supposed to return to Dhaka today to play in the Mirpur Test against South Africa. Although he made it to Dubai from the U.S., the former captain of Bangladesh was ultimately advised not to return. From July to October, Shakib has been in the headlines almost every day for various reasons. Here’s a look back at the key events:
July 30
After the Bangla Tigers-Toronto Nationals match in Brampton, Canada, a Bangladeshi expatriate asked Shakib why he had remained silent amid the turmoil in Bangladesh. Shakib avoided giving a direct answer and instead asked, “What have you done for the country?”
August 2
Shakib went on a family safari in Toronto. His wife, Umme Ahmed Shishir, posted a photo on Instagram of a smiling Shakib holding their child, with the caption: “A well-spent day in Toronto.”
August 11
Amid uncertainty about whether Shakib would be called as a former MP of the Awami League government, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the Test squad for the Pakistan series, including Shakib.
August 12
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain addressed concerns about Shakib being a political figure, stating: “Many people asked me about it. Yes, he’s a political personality, but his selection was based on merit, as it always is for every player. We’ll continue to prioritize merit.”
August 23
Shakib’s name appeared in a murder case filed at Adabor Police Station in Dhaka. He was listed as the 28th accused among 156 names in the case concerning the death of garment worker Md. Rubel.
August 24
A lawyer named Mohammad Rafinat Rahman sent a legal notice to the BCB, demanding that Shakib be dropped from the national team and brought back to Bangladesh for investigation. This came after his name surfaced in the murder case.
August 25
Cricketer Mominul Haque posted on Facebook, calling the case against Shakib “false.” Fellow cricketers Mushfiqur Rahim, Rubel, and others also expressed their support. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) issued a statement backing Shakib.
August 27
BCB President Faruque Ahmed stated: “The allegations against Shakib are still in the FIR stage. There are many steps left. Until proven guilty, we will continue to play him. The BCB will also provide legal support if necessary, as he is a contracted player.”
August 28
Law Advisor Asif Nazrul commented on the ongoing discussion about Shakib’s case, saying: “This too was started by the Awami League, wasn’t it? Footballer Aminul brought glory to Bangladesh; Shakib, on the other hand, hasn’t done anything for the country.”
Addressing the possibility of Shakib’s arrest, he added: “Just because a case has been filed or an FIR has been made doesn’t mean he will be arrested. I believe the Home Ministry will ensure that nobody gets too enthusiastic about arresting him.”
On the same day, an application was submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate Shakib’s alleged irregularities. The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) also removed Shakib as its goodwill ambassador on the same day.
September 2
Former national football captain and BNP sports secretary Aminul Haque urged authorities not to harass Shakib: “I have endured 15 years of persecution and harassment; I don’t want anyone else to go through the same. There’s a case against Shakib, but I hope he won’t be harassed because of it.”
September 23
During Shakib’s tour of India, questions arose about whether he would return to play in the home series against South Africa. BCB Cricket Operations Chief Shahriar Nafees reassured the media that the government had made it clear no one would be unfairly harassed due to the ongoing cases, and if no injury or election-related issues arose, there was no reason for Shakib to miss the series.
September 24
Shakib was fined BDT 5 million by the BSEC for manipulating shares of a listed insurance company, Paramount Insurance.
September 26
While announcing his retirement from Test cricket during the Kanpur Test, Shakib said: “I’ve spoken with Faruque Bhai and the selectors. If I get the chance to go back to Bangladesh and play, the Mirpur Test will be my last. I’ve informed the board, and they’re working to organize it properly.”
BCB President Faruque Ahmed later commented: “The issue of security is not within our control. The decision is up to him. The board cannot provide personal security; the matter has to be addressed at a higher level by the government.”
September 29
Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud posted on Facebook, stating: “Shakib’s security as a player is assured, but ensuring safety against the anger that has grown in the public toward MP Shakib is unreasonable.”
He added that Shakib must clarify his political stance in light of the student protests. “I believe he needs to speak out about his political position,” Mahmud said.
October 2
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) requested information from banks and non-bank financial institutions regarding the accounts of Shakib, his wife, Umme Roman Ahmed, and their companies.
October 3
While attending the Women’s T20 World Cup in Sharjah, Sports Advisor Mahmud told reporters: “He (Shakib) is a player who has contributed a lot to the country. Since he wants to play his last Test in Bangladesh, I personally hope he gets that opportunity.”
October 9
Shakib posted a long statement on Facebook, expressing regret for remaining silent during the student protests and explaining his reasons for entering politics. He also called on everyone to support him in what could be his last Test on home soil.
October 14
During a visit to Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Sports Advisor Mahmud said: “He’s a cricketer, and he’s a citizen of Bangladesh. I don’t see any obstacle to his return.”
October 16
The selectors announced a 15-member squad for the Mirpur Test against South Africa, including Shakib. Chief selector Hannan Sarkar expressed joy, stating: “It’s an honor for us to have such a legendary player bidding farewell from our home of cricket, Mirpur.”
October 17
While on his way to Dhaka from the U.S., Shakib stopped in Dubai. However, it was in Dubai that he was advised not to return to Bangladesh. On the same day, protests broke out in Mirpur, with students and citizens calling for Shakib’s exclusion from the team. A memorandum was submitted to the BCB president.