Follow UsBangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has apologised for remaining quiet during the time of protest in the country. Shakib, an elected Member of Parliament from Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, had in August been named in an FIR along with 147 others in a murder case.
With Hasina facing political exile, many instances of Awami League party leaders being assaulted have occurred in the country in the last two months. These developments put Shakib’s return to Bangladesh in jeopardy, let alone him coming back to the country and playing a Test match.
With the two-Test series against South Africa starting on October 21, Shakib had expressed his desire to retire at home. “At first, I respectfully remember all the students who sacrificed their lives or were injured while leading the anti-discrimination student movement,” the spin-bowling all-rounder wrote in his official Facebook post on October 9 (Wednesday).
“I offer my deepest respect and condolences to them and their families. Although no sacrifice can ever fully compensate for the loss of loved ones, the pain of losing a child or a brother is irreplaceable.
"For those of you who felt hurt or disappointed by my silence during this critical time, I sincerely apologies acknowledging your feelings. If I were in your position, perhaps I would have felt the same way.”
Asking for support from his fans, the 37-year-old added: "As you know, I will soon be playing my final match. In my final match, in the closing chapter of this story, I want you all by my side. I want to bid farewell with all of you standing with me.
"I hope, and I don't just hope, I believe that in this final moment, you all will stand with me. You all will be there to close the story, a story where the true heroes are not me, but all of you.”
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