Protesters demand Shakib be barred from playing his final test at Mirpur
The protest comes after a series of demonstrations, with protesters threatening strikes and blockades if their demands were not met.
Students and locals from Mirpur staged a protest on Thursday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, demanding that Shakib Al Hasan be barred from playing.
Holding placards and chanting slogans, they expressed their anger against the Bangladesh all-rounder, who had planned to return to play his farewell Test. The protest comes after a series of demonstrations, with protesters threatening strikes and blockades if their demands were not met.
Shakib had started his journey back to Bangladesh from the USA but was forced to halt in Dubai. Due to security concerns raised by the government, Shakib was advised to stay in Dubai following news of protests sparked by his return. Given the current situation, it seems likely that Shakib will not be returning. In fact, he himself confirmed that he won't be returning at this time and may head back to the US directly from Dubai.
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Despite Shakib's absence, the protestors remained firm in their stance. The South African cricket team, practicing at both the main stadium and academy ground, had their safety ensured by law enforcement, who sealed off roads from Mirpur 2 to the Prashika intersection.
Protesters, led by Al Masnun, submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), demanding that Shakib be dropped from the squad for the South Africa series. They threatened to launch strikes and blockades if their demands were ignored. One protester said, "We have no issue with Shakib's comings or goings, but we cannot tolerate him playing. He's a member of the Awami government and accused in a murder case. He has no right to wear Bangladesh's jersey."
Another protester added, "An MP from the Awami League cannot represent Bangladesh. We will not allow this betrayal. If Shakib isn't removed from the squad, we will unite for strikes."
On Wednesday, students burned an effigy of Shakib upon hearing about his return. The protests are in response to his wish to play his final Test match on home soil after announcing his retirement during the India tour. Although his return initially seemed certain, last-minute uncertainties have halted his plans.
Shakib, besides his cricket career, serves as a Member of Parliament for Magura-1, elected under the Awami League banner in January. His name surfaced as the 28th accused in the case of Rubel, a garment worker killed during a student protest, and he has faced heavy criticism for his silence during the protests.
