Protests for and against Shakib in Mirpur: Army uses baton charge, one arrested

Protests erupted outside the Mirpur Stadium today, with one faction demanding the inclusion of Shakib Al Hasan in the team for his final Test, while another group opposed his participation.

The situation escalated as supporters of both sides confronted each other, leading to clashes and a baton charge by the army to restore order. Amidst the chaos, one individual, a university student named Sani Mia, was arrested for allegedly chanting anti-government slogans while advocating for Shakib's inclusion.

The unrest began days ago when a group named "Chhatra Janta of Mirpur" gathered outside the stadium, calling for Shakib's removal from the team. The protests intensified when it was confirmed that Shakib would not play. Supporters rallied at the same location the following day, demanding that he be included and announcing a long march.

On the day of the protests, Shakib's supporters arrived at the Mirpur Stadium, only to be met by another group opposing his inclusion. This face-off created an unstable situation, with both factions engaged in rallies and shouting slogans. Tensions rose, and violence erupted, with Shakib's supporters becoming targets of attacks.

To manage the situation, the army, along with police, intervened, using baton charges to disperse the crowd, resulting in several injuries. During the chaos, Sani Mia was arrested by the army and taken away in a vehicle. He claimed he had come to support Shakib's inclusion, stating, "I just wanted to see Shakib play his last match. But the opponents chased me away. I tried to run, and they caught me. I did nothing wrong. Wanting to see the player who has brought honor to Bangladesh cricket receive a dignified farewell is not a crime."

Shakib's supporters had announced their long march, while the opposing group also indicated their protest plans. Law enforcement was prepared to ensure security, blocking traffic from Mirpur 2 to Prashika More, with five platoons of army personnel and a significant number of police officers deployed.

As the situation unfolded, Shakib's supporters began to gather gradually. Around 2 PM, they spoke with the media outside Gate No. 1 of the Mirpur Stadium, expressing their demands. The protesters opposing Shakib also started to converge at the location. Eventually, tensions flared, leading to an attack on Shakib's supporters.

In response, security personnel used baton charges to disperse the attackers. As Shakib's fans attempted to move toward Gate No. 2, army members with batons blocked their path. One Shakib supporter named Mahfuza alleged, "We were conducting a peaceful sit-in, voicing our demands. Suddenly, a few individuals attacked us in the presence of law enforcement. Instead of protecting us from the attackers, they chased us away."

The protesters against Shakib chanted various slogans. While some of Shakib's supporters spoke with the media, they were interrupted by opposing slogans. One protester stated, "We don't need a player like Shakib. While people were dying in the country, Shakib was wandering around enjoying himself. He has played with the emotions of the people of Bangladesh. We don't want to see him in the national jersey anymore."

The situation escalated into a prolonged exchange of chase and counter-chase between the two groups. While the unrest unfolded outside, the South African cricket team was practicing inside the Mirpur Stadium. Around 3:45 PM, as South Africa departed the stadium for their hotel, protests for and against Shakib continued at Gate No. 1. Law enforcement officials declined to comment on the situation.

Shakib announced his retirement from Tests during the tour of India, stating that he would play his final Test against South Africa in Mirpur. Initially, there were uncertainties regarding his participation in the match due to security concerns, but those were resolved. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced Shakib's inclusion in the first Test squad, heightening excitement among fans.

Protesters submitted a memorandum to the BCB, demanding his removal from the team and inscribing opposing messages on the walls of the Mirpur Stadium. The following day, Shakib's supporters began their protests. Amid such heated circumstances, the first Test of the Bangladesh-South Africa series is set to begin on 21 October at the Mirpur Stadium.