New Delhi: Accused of involvement in an alleged murder during unrest that led to fall of the Bangladesh government, Shakib Al Hasan has received support from his national cricket team-mates.
The all-rounder, an ousted lawmaker, faces a probe for his alleged role in a murder but he has been picked for the national team for their Test series against Pakistan.
The left armer took three second-innings wickets as Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 10 wickets in the first Test in Rawalpindi, their first in 14 Tests against the fellow Asian country.
After their win captain Najmul Hossain Shanto dedicated it to the numerous protesters who were killed during an uprising that forced former supremo Sheikh Hasina to relinquish power and flee the country on August 15.
It ended her 15-year rule that culminated after weeks of student-led protests, forcing Hasina to flee to India. Shakib was a lawmaker for Hasina’s Awami League party.
But the 37-year-old lost his job when the parliament was dissolved and a new interim government was formed. Shakib though is held in high regard by his team-mates.
“He’s been raising the name of Bangladesh in the world for 17 long years,” Shanto wrote in Facebook.
Shakib and 155 others have been accused of murder by Rafiqul Islam, the father of one protesters killed during the civil unrest. The veteran all-rounder is yet to speak publicly on the case, but received backing from his team-mates.
“Such a case against Shakib bhai (brother) is unexpected. In the new Bangladesh, we all want to see something new. I hope all the darkness will pass off and new light will come,” Shanto added.
“I have said it many times before, and I will say it again, I am proud to play alongside a champion like Shakib,” veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim wrote on Facebook.
“As a teammate and a brother, I will be there during his tough times, and I do not support the false allegations made against him because I know he would never engage in inhumane actions.”
Shakib Al Hasan, an ousted lawmaker, faces a probe for his alleged role in a murder but he has been picked for the national team for their Test series against Pakistan. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
