Supporters advocating Shakib Al Hasan's return to the country and those opposing it clashed in Dhaka's Mirpur stadium area just a day before the Bangladesh-South Africa Test match.
A few hundred of Shakib’s fans gathered in front of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, the venue of the first Test, and were shouting slogans to include Shakib in the team and the resignation of Faruque Ahmed, the newly-appointed president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The protest was peaceful until another group of people, who were shouting anti-Shakib slogans, attacked Shakib’s fans.
Shanto calls Shakib’s absence ‘unfortunate’ ahead of South Africa Test
At the time of filing this report, army personnel were trying to disperse them all.
A couple of days ago, Shakib's fans held another protest in front of the BCB headquarters after it was confirmed that Shakib would not return home to play the Dhaka Test against South Africa, which he said would be his last Test.
Prior to the clashes, protesting students, who were part of the movement that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government, formed a human chain in front of the BCB headquarters, demanding that Shakib be excluded from the Bangladesh team.
They also called for a trial to be conducted regarding Shakib's role during the anti-government protests before he is allowed to play for the national team.
Bangladesh's new coach urges Tigers to focus on cricket amid chaos
Earlier, during the Kanpur Test against India, Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from the format and expressed his desire to play this last Test in Dhaka.
At the first reaction, the interim government and BCB officials said they could not guarantee any special security for Shakib other than what he deserves as a player. Later, the sports adviser to the interim government, Asif Mahmud, said they would provide Shakib with the security he needed during his stay in Bangladesh.
At this point, the BCB announced the squad, including Shakib. In reaction, the protesters came to the streets and demanded that Shakib be removed from the national team.
Following that, the sports advisor advised Shakib not to return home for security reasons, which Shakib followed.