Shakib Al Hasan is all set to arrive in Dhaka
tomorrow (Thursday) after being named in the first of two-match Test series
against South Africa (SA).
The match, starting on October 21 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
will be his last in this format.
The veteran allrounder expressed his desire to retire from this format after
playing a Test against South Africa in Mirpur but challenges arose due to his
involvement with the ousted Awami League (AL) regime and accusations of ties
to a murder case.
The situation is understood to be resolved after Shakib apologised for his
silence during the student protests that led to the fall of the AL-led
government and appealed for public support for his final Test.
However, still some people seemed to have been against Shakib as they vented
their anger through wall graffiti at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Considered as the best ever Bangladesh cricketer in their history, Shakib had
already received a boost from Youth and Sports Adviser Asif
Mahmud who
assured the 37-year-old of adequate protection.
“It is our duty provides the highest level of security for not only our
player but also for the people of all walks of life. If there are any
allegations against anyone, that is a different issue,” Asif told reporter in
Sharjah while attending the Women’s T20 World Cup clash between Bangladesh
and Scotland on October 4.
“I can’t comment on legal aspects as it falls under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Law. However, we have already committed to ensuring Shakib Al
Hasan’s security, and we will honour that commitment.”
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha