Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday criticised star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan for contesting the national election under the Awami League (AL) banner, calling it “inappropriate” for a national icon to represent a party he accused of deep-rooted violence and corruption.
“Shakib Al Hasan, the former lawmaker from Magura-1, has taken Bangladesh cricket to new heights. But the same Shakib chose to run from the Awami League — a party whose leaders and activists have blood on their hands,” Shafiqul said while talking to reporters during a visit to Magura Medical College Hospital.
“They’ve been linked to killings, enforced disappearances, abductions, even bank robberies,” he added.
Shafiqul said Shakib himself acknowledged in a recent interview that there is “nothing wrong with joining a political party. While that may be true, Shafiqul questioned the wisdom behind aligning with what he called a “terrorist outfit.”
“Joining a political party is not a crime; in fact, it can be a matter of pride. But if you join based on misinformation, or knowingly take the side of a group accused of terror, what does that say about your judgment?” he said.
He further alleged that no national election in Magura between 2009 and 2024 was held freely or fairly. “Each and every one was rigged.”
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Recalling the July-August movement, he said several young protesters were killed in Magura — while Shakib was still the sitting MP.
“Was he unaware that people were dying during protests in his own constituency? Did he ever express regret or speak out against the killings?"
He also alleged that the most recent Magura-1 election was a “scripted show,” with the outcome predetermined.
“Candidates usually campaign for months, but Shakib barely had to try. He knew from the beginning he would be declared the winner,” Shafiqul claimed.
On a separate note, the press secretary said there are no plans to relocate Magura Medical College Hospital.
“The Directorate General of Health Services, in collaboration with a top medical college, is working to improve its facilities," he said.
The press secretary added that the hospital has already received four awards for academic excellence and remains one of the best-performing institutions in the country.