For the first time, Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s cricket icon, has spoken out about his silence during the recent student-led movement. On Wednesday, October 9, at 9:25 PM, Shakib posted a long message on his Facebook page, expressing regret for his silence during the turbulent period and explaining his involvement in politics, including his brief stint as a Member of Parliament.
On August 5, under pressure from the student and public uprising, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country. Following the dissolution of Parliament by the President, Shakib lost his seat as a Member of Parliament within months. After the political shift, Shakib, who had remained silent during the movement, found himself implicated in a murder case.
In his heartfelt post, Shakib expressed his interest in playing his final Test match on home soil. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the support of his fans, well-wishers, and the people of Bangladesh.
The post began with Shakib offering condolences to those who lost their lives during the movement. “Assalamualaikum, I express my respect to every person in my country who has shown me love and support. Your prayers and affection have made me the Shakib Al Hasan the world knows today. First, I remember with reverence the student martyrs who led the anti-discrimination movement, sacrificing their lives. I extend my deepest respect and sympathy to them and their families. No sacrifice can ever compensate for the loss of a loved one,” Shakib wrote.
He then addressed his silence during the crisis, taking responsibility for his inaction: “I deeply respect the feelings of those who were hurt or disappointed by my silence during such a critical time. I sincerely apologize to those who felt neglected. If I were in your place, I might have felt the same way.”
Shakib also clarified his involvement in politics and his short term as a Member of Parliament: “I was briefly the MP for the Magura-1 constituency. My involvement in politics was primarily driven by the opportunity to contribute to the development of my birthplace, Magura. In Bangladesh, it is difficult to make a significant impact on local development without holding a formal position. My desire to improve my area was what motivated me to take up this role. However, at the end of the day, my identity is that of a cricketer, and cricket remains my true passion.”
Reflecting on his career, Shakib expressed gratitude to his fans: “You have helped me achieve the honor of being the world’s best all-rounder. Your love and support made me the Shakib Al Hasan I am today. Every time I took the bat for Bangladesh, you were there with me. Your cheers from the stands, your support at tea stalls in front of TVs—these fueled my drive to play well. When I won, we all won. When I lost, we all lost together.”
Shakib concluded his post by expressing his desire to play his final Test match in Bangladesh: “As you know, I am soon going to play my final match. From the beginning of my career to where I stand today, this journey has been driven by you. This cricket story has been written by your hands. That’s why, in my final match, I want you by my side. At the end, I want to hold the hands that clapped for me when I played well and look into the eyes that gleamed with joy at my success, or welled with tears when I failed.”
He ended the post by saying, “I hope—and not just hope, but I believe—that you will all be there with me during my farewell. Together, we will conclude the story, a story where the true heroes are not me, but you!”