Shakib Al Hasan Named as Defendant in Murder Case, Sheikh Hasina Accused as Well

Shakib Al Hasan, a prominent Bangladesh cricket team all-rounder, has been named as the 28th accused in a murder case filed in New Delhi. The case was brought forward by Rafiqul Islam after his son Rubel tragically passed away during a protest in Bangladesh on August 7. Rubel was participating in a rally along the Ring Road of Adabor when he was fatally shot in the chest and abdomen. Despite being rushed to a hospital, Rubel succumbed to his injuries on the same day. The Adabor police station in Dhaka officially registered the case, with popular Bangladeshi actor and former MP of the ruling party Awami League, Ferdous Ahmed, also listed as the 55th accused.

It is also reported that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also been named in the murder case alongside 154 others. In addition, approximately 400-500 unnamed individuals have also been accused in connection with the killing.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board, in a related development, Wednesday appointed former captain Faruque Ahmed as its new president after the resignation of Nazmul Hassan. Hassan resigned from the post as he is considered a close associate of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Nazmul, who had also been sports minister during Hasina’s 15-year tenure, sent his resignation to the BCB, the board’s chief executive officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury told AFP in a statement.

“His wish was granted,” he said.

Over 450 people lost their lives during a month-long series of student-led protests against Sheikh Hasina’s rule. These demonstrations culminated in her resignation as prime minister on August 5, after which she fled the country.

Chowdhury said Faruque was elected by the board’s directors and “took charge immediately”.

Nazmul Hassan was president of the BCB since 2012 and had several terms, with his current tenure due to run until 2025.

New president Faruque Ahmed briefly captained Bangladesh during the 1994 ICC Trophy in Kenya, played in seven one-day internationals, and hanged up his boots after the 1999 World Cup.

Faruque also served as the national chief selector from 2005 to 2014.