Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan has been named as one of the accused in a murder case related to the ongoing political unrest in the country, according to a report by the Dhaka Tribune. The case was filed by Rafiqul Islam, whose son Rubel was fatally shot during a protest on August 7.
The incident occurred on Ring Road in Adabor, where Rubel was participating in a rally. He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen and was pronounced dead later that day.
The murder case, filed with the Adabor police station in Dhaka, lists Shakib as the 28th accused. Popular Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed is also named as the 55th accused in the case. Both Shakib and Ferdous are former members of parliament representing the Awami League.
In addition to Shakib and Ferdous, the case also names former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 154 others. The list of accused includes 400-500 unidentified individuals, underscoring the widespread nature of the unrest.
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This legal development comes amid significant political turmoil in Bangladesh. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled for 15 years, stepped down on August 5 and fled the country following student-led protests that claimed more than 450 lives.
As the case against Shakib Al Hasan and others unfolds, it adds a new layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in Bangladesh. The cricketing world, along with the broader public, will be closely watching how these events impact the nation’s future, both politically and in the realm of sports.
Meanwhile, the interim government of Bangladesh has withdrawn the diplomatic passport of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country earlier this month amidst a student-driven uprising.
Now residing in India after escaping the turmoil by helicopter on August 5, Hasina finds herself in a precarious situation following this decision.
This development comes on the same day that a United Nations team arrived in Dhaka to determine whether an investigation is needed into alleged human rights abuses during her time in office. The uprising, which culminated in her removal from power, saw over 450 people lose their lives, with many reportedly killed by police gunfire as protestors stormed her official residence, bringing an end to her 15-year leadership.
