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Former press secretary to the interim government’s chief adviser Shafiqul Alam has called on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to remove all records and statistics of former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan from the country’s cricket history.
In a verified Facebook post on Friday night, Alam described Shakib as a “genocide supporter” and a “Hitler worshipper” and criticised his political association with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League.
His remarks came on the same day Reuters published an interview with Shakib, in which the former all-rounder said he was ready to return to Bangladesh and face trial if he was assured of his safety.
Shakib has denied the allegations against him.
Shakib, widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers, joined the Awami League ahead of the 2024 parliamentary election and was elected as a lawmaker from Magura-1.
Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, he remained abroad.
Alam also criticised Shakib over his recent virtual participation in an event in New Delhi on August 5, where Sheikh Hasina also joined virtually.
Shakib’s participation sparked fresh criticism in Bangladesh, and his home in Magura was reportedly attacked that night.
Shakib is currently facing two cases, including allegations linked to the killing of a protester during the July uprising and a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission over alleged manipulation of the stock market. He has denied the allegations.
Despite the controversy surrounding his political activities, Shakib remains one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished cricketers, having topped the ICC all-rounder rankings across all three formats for extended periods.
