Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has tendered an unconditional apology for his “silence” during the recent civil unrest that led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country.
This move might clear the decks for Shakib’s farewell Test match at home against South Africa. He has already expressed his desire to play his final Test against South Africa at home, starting October 21 in Mirpur.
The series will feature two Test matches but it is believed that Shakib will play the first game and then fly off to the USA, where he is settled with his wife and three children.
“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 on his official Facebook page.
“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,” wrote the veteran cricketer, who was a Member of Parliament in the Hasina-led government that was overthrown owing to a student protest against the contentious quota system.
Notably, Shakib Al Hasan was named in a First Information Report (FIR) related to a murder case during the anti-government protests in Bangladesh.
After the news of Shakib’s charges emerged, the BCB said that he would continue representing Bangladesh until he is found guilty. He recently represented his country in the two-match Test series against India.
During the protests in early August, Shakib was plying his trade in Canada’s Global T20 League. He then toured Pakistan for a two-match Test series, and that was followed by a four-day match for English county side Surrey.
Subsequently, Shakib Al Hasan rejoined the Bangladesh team in India for their Test series, which they lost 2-0.
During the India series, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had expressed confidence that Shakib will not be “harassed” when he returns to the country.
Now, Shakib’s public apology is likely to ensure that he gets a farewell in Bangladesh. “You all know that I will soon be playing my last match… I want to say goodbye to all of you around. At the moment of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause compelled me to play better.”
He also made an emotional plea to all his fans. “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 believe that at this farewell moment, you will all be with me. Together, we will close the story that, in truth, the star is not me, but all of you.”
(With PTI Inputs)
