Shakib Al Hasan Apologizes For Silence During Bangladesh Protests. In the realm of cricket, there are few figures who transcend the sport and become symbols of their nation’s pride, success, and even political discourse. Shakib Al Hasan, a name synonymous with Bangladeshi cricket excellence, has recently found himself at the crossroads of sport and politics, facing the public eye not for his legendary performances on the field, but for his silence during one of Bangladesh’s most tumultuous political episodes. As the star cricketer gears up for his final Test match, there are still lingering questions about his political involvement, his personal motivations, and his emotional apology to the nation.
This article delves deep into the journey of Shakib Al Hasan, his role in both cricket and politics, the civil unrest in Bangladesh, and his impending farewell match against South Africa.
The Rise of Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladeshi Cricket
Before diving into the political turmoil, it’s crucial to highlight Shakib Al Hasan’s extraordinary cricketing career, which has made him a household name, not only in Bangladesh but globally. As one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen, Shakib has amassed over 14,000 runs and taken over 700 wickets across formats. His ability to contribute in all facets of the game—whether with bat, ball, or in the field—has made him a vital figure for Bangladesh cricket, a team that once struggled for relevance on the international stage.
Having played in 71 Tests, 247 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 129 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), Shakib has etched his name in the history books as one of the most successful all-rounders of his generation. He has been instrumental in several historic wins for Bangladesh, including victories against cricketing giants like India, South Africa, and Australia. His leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to perform on the biggest stages have made him a beloved figure in the world of cricket.
However, Shakib’s life off the pitch has recently taken center stage, especially his involvement in politics and the controversy surrounding his silence during the student-led protests that ultimately led to the ouster of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Shakib’s Political Involvement and the Civil Unrest in Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan’s political journey began in January 2024 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, a political party that had governed Bangladesh for over 15 years. His decision to enter politics was met with mixed reactions, as many believed that a sportsman of his stature should remain apolitical. However, Shakib maintained that his involvement in politics was driven by a desire to contribute to the development of his hometown, Magura.
In his own words, “It is difficult to directly impact the development of your area in Bangladesh if you don’t have a designated position.” Shakib’s political involvement, however, soon became controversial when the country erupted in student-led protests against the Hasina government. These protests, which started as a movement against job quota systems, quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising that ultimately forced Sheikh Hasina into exile in India.
Shakib, who had been serving as an MP at the time, found himself in a precarious position. As the protests intensified and the government’s response became increasingly violent—resulting in over 700 deaths—Shakib chose to remain silent. This silence did not go unnoticed. Many of his fans and fellow countrymen criticized him for not speaking out against the violence and for continuing to serve in a government that was accused of human rights abuses.
The Apology That Captured a Nation
In October 2024, Shakib Al Hasan broke his silence. In a heartfelt message posted on his official Facebook page, the cricketer-turned-politician expressed deep remorse for not speaking out during the civil unrest. He offered a sincere apology to the people of Bangladesh, particularly the students who had sacrificed their lives during the protests.
“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. His words, although late, were filled with emotion as he acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by the unrest.
“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,” he continued.
Shakib’s apology was a significant moment, not just for him as an individual, but for the country as a whole. It marked the first time that a high-profile figure from the Hasina government publicly acknowledged the atrocities committed during the protests. For many, this apology was seen as a necessary step in healing the wounds left by the civil unrest, but for others, it was too little too late.
The Road to Farewell
In the same Facebook post where he issued his apology, Shakib also announced his intention to retire from international cricket. He revealed that he would be playing his final Test match against South Africa in Dhaka, starting on October 21, 2024. This Test series against South Africa will mark the end of an illustrious 18-year career for Shakib, who has been the face of Bangladeshi cricket for over a decade.
The first Test will be played at Shakib’s beloved Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, a venue where he has enjoyed countless successes over the years. Although there is a second Test scheduled in Chittagong, it is widely believed that Shakib will only participate in the first match before flying to the United States, where he has settled with his family.
“I want to say goodbye with all of you around. At the moment of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause compelled me to play better,” Shakib said in an emotional plea to 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.”
Shakib’s farewell match will be more than just a cricketing event—it will be a moment of closure for a nation that has followed his journey from a young cricketer with immense potential to a global star who brought pride and glory to Bangladesh. However, it will also be a moment of reflection, as the country grapples with the legacy of the civil unrest and Shakib’s role, both as a cricketer and a politician.
The Intersection of Cricket and Politics
Shakib’s political career, albeit short, has raised important questions about the intersection of sports and politics in Bangladesh. His involvement in the Hasina government and his subsequent silence during the protests have highlighted the difficult position that public figures often find themselves in when they choose to enter the political arena. For Shakib, his political aspirations were born out of a desire to make a tangible difference in his community, but the realities of serving in a government embroiled in controversy made that goal increasingly difficult to achieve.
“As you know, it is difficult to directly impact the development of one’s area without a specific role in Bangladesh. 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,” Shakib stated.
In the end, Shakib’s legacy will be defined by his contributions to cricket. Despite the political controversies and the criticisms he has faced, there is no denying that Shakib Al Hasan is one of the greatest cricketers Bangladesh has ever produced. His farewell Test match will be a fitting tribute to a career that has brought joy, excitement, and pride to millions of Bangladeshis.
Conclusion
As Shakib Al Hasan prepares to walk off the field for the final time in his cricketing career, he leaves behind a legacy that is both complex and inspiring. He will always be remembered for his remarkable achievements in cricket, but his involvement in politics and his response to the civil unrest in Bangladesh will also be a part of his story.
