Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto Addresses Shakib Al Hasan's Murder Allegation

New Delhi: The Bangladesh cricket team has rallied behind their teammate Shakib Al Hasan, who is currently embroiled in a murder allegation related to the recent political turmoil which resulted in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto dedicated the team’s remarkable Test victory over Pakistan on Sunday, in which Shakib played a pivotal role by taking three crucial wickets in the second innings, as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the protests. The protests, spearheaded by students, ultimately led to Hasina fleeing to India via helicopter on August 5, marking the end of her decade and a half-long rule.

Shakib, 37, who was dismissed from his position as a lawmaker with Hasina’s Awami League party following the dissolution of parliament, is described by Shanto as “a big asset to our country,” in a Facebook post late Monday.

“He’s been raising the name of Bangladesh in the world for 17 long years,” Shanto said.

Rafiqul Islam, whose son was among those killed in the recent civil unrest, has filed a murder case against Shakib Al Hasan and 155 others in Dhaka as of Thursday.

The government led by Sheikh Hasina has faced allegations of severe human rights abuses, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political adversaries.

In addition to Hasina, former ministers and other ex-lawmakers are also implicated in these accusations.

While Shakib has yet to make a public statement regarding the charges, his teammates have rallied around him, offering their support during this difficult time.

“Such a case against Shakib bhai (brother) is unexpected,” Shanto added.

“In the new Bangladesh, we all want to see something new. I hope all the darkness will pass off and new light will come.”

Bangladesh achieved their first victory over Pakistan in 14 Tests with a thumping 10-wicket win on Sunday after both teams struggled in hot conditions on a flat Rawalpindi pitch.

The second and final Test will also be played in Rawalpindi from Friday.