Shakib apologises for silence during student movement

Many cricketers in Bangladesh expressed their reactions to the anti-discrimination student movement, with some calling for an end to the bloodshed through social media posts. However, the two cricketers from whom the public expected the most—Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan—remained silent. Consequently, both faced severe criticism at the time. Earlier this year, both Mashrafe and Shakib were elected as Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Awami League ticket.

Mashrafe apologised a few days after the movement ended, acknowledging his failure and explaining his political stance. Now, Shakib has also apologised. On Wednesday, the experienced all-rounder posted about it on his official Facebook page.

During the India tour, Shakib announced his retirement from Test and T20 cricket. Although he plans to play his final T20, he expressed his desire to play his last Test on home soil against South Africa. However, since he is a defendant in a murder case, Shakib has requested security assurances to play safely at home and to leave the country without issues. Nevertheless, comments from Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed and Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan have cast doubts over Shakib's farewell in Bangladesh.

The BCB President stated that the board could not provide individual security for Shakib. A few days later, the sports advisor added that, given Shakib's position as an MP for a fascist government, seeking security against public anger was inappropriate. He also urged Shakib to clarify his political stance. However, Asif Mahmud later assured that Shakib would receive maximum security on home soil.

A few days later, Shakib apologised and clarified his political stance. The Bangladeshi all-rounder wrote, "Assalamualaikum, I express my utmost respect for the love of every person in my country. Your prayers and affection have helped me become the Shakib Al Hasan who is now respected worldwide. First, I 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."

"I extend my deepest respect and condolences to them and their families. While no sacrifice can compensate for the loss of a loved one, nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother. To those of you who were hurt by my silence during this critical period, I respect your feelings and sincerely apologise. If I were in your place, I too might have been upset," Shakib wrote.

Clarifying his political stance, Shakib added, "I was briefly the Member of Parliament for Magura-1. My political involvement was primarily driven by my desire to contribute to the development of my hometown, Magura. As you know, in the context of Bangladesh, it's somewhat difficult to directly impact the development of one's area without a specific role. My wish to develop this area is what motivated me to become an MP. However, 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."

Highlighting the support from his fans, Shakib wrote, "It is your support that has driven me to achieve the title of the world's best all-rounder while embracing this cricket journey. Your love and support have made me the Shakib Al Hasan I am today. When I picked up the bat for the country, you all picked it up with me. Your cheers from the stands, your support, inspired me to play well. The packed crowds around tea stalls watching matches on TV gave me strength. When I won, you all won with me. When I lost, you all lost as well."

Addressing his plans to play his final Test on home soil, he added, "You all know that I will soon be playing my last match. From the beginning of my cricket career to becoming the Shakib Al Hasan of today, it has been you driving this entire journey. This entire story of cricket is written by your hands! Therefore, in my last match, at the closing chapter of this story, I want you by my side."

"I want to say goodbye with all of you. 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. I hope, no, I believe that at this farewell moment, you will all be with me. Together, we will close the story that, in truth, stars not me, but all of you," Shakib concluded.