Anger against Shakib not unwarranted: Asif Nazrul

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, stating that the public's anger against him is not without reason. 

Shakib had planned to return to Bangladesh on Thursday to play the first Test against South Africa, a match he had intended to be his farewell in the format. However, widespread protests against him due to his involvement during the student-led movement that toppled the government of Sheikh Hasina forced him to cancel his plans.

The protests, led primarily by students, included the submission of a formal letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), warning against allowing Shakib to play on home soil. At the same time, a faction of his fans rallied in his support, chanting slogans in his favor last Friday.

"There has never been a player like Shakib in the history of Bangladesh," Nazrul remarked during a television appearance on Channel I. "He could have become the most beloved figure in our nation's history. But his association with a fascist government has complicated that," he added, referring to Shakib's alignment with the previous Sheikh Hasina administration.

Nazrul highlighted that Shakib's political involvement has impacted his public image, diminishing the stardom he once enjoyed. He recalled Shakib's controversial social media post during the violent crackdown on student protests, in which Shakib appeared to be enjoying a carefree life in Toronto. "I couldn't believe it when I saw that. While people were being killed, and there was suffering and chaos everywhere, he posted about 'enjoying life.' How could someone do that?" Nazrul questioned.

In addition to his political ties, Shakib has faced criticism for past controversies, including his suspension over undisclosed involvement in betting and his sometimes volatile behavior. Nazrul suggested that these factors contributed to the public's frustration. However, he also pointed out that the political environment under Sheikh Hasina's leadership has complicated matters.

"Sheikh Hasina created a system where loyalty to her could lead to forgiveness for almost anything," Nazrul explained. "This system may have misled Shakib, and I feel for him, but the public's anger towards him is justified."

Shakib, who recently announced his retirement ahead of the Kanpur Test during Bangladesh's India tour, had hoped to play his final Test in Dhaka. However, his political identity and his role during the protests, which were violently suppressed by the Sheikh Hasina government, have raised concerns about his safety in Bangladesh.

With Shakib's future now uncertain, the cricketer remains at the center of a political and social storm, where admiration for his on-field achievements is clashing with anger over his off-field decisions.