Bangladesh’s star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has apologised for his silence during the anti-government protests in Bangladesh in July. During the protest movement, hundreds of deaths were reported. Weeks of protests had led to the fall of the Awami League-led government, which was being led by Sheikh Hasina. Shakib Al Hasan was a member of Parliament in the Awami League-led government. Now, for the first time, Shakib Al Hasan has finally come out breaking his silence on the students’ movement. 

"Firstly, I would like to pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives, led the anti-discrimination movement, and were martyred or injured during the people's uprising. I extend my deepest respect and condolences to them and their families. While no sacrifice can compensate for the loss of a loved one, nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother, to those of you who were hurt by my silence during this critical period, I respect your feelings and sincerely apologise. If I were in your place, I too might have been upset,” Shakib wrote on his Facebook page. 

Shakib was recently accused of being involved in a murder case as an FIR had been lodged against him and other leaders of the Awami League.

"I was briefly the member of parliament from the Magura-1 constituency. My political involvement was primarily driven by my desire to contribute to the development of my hometown Magura. As you know, it is difficult to directly impact the development of one's area without a specific role in Bangladesh."

"My wish to develop this area is what motivated me to become an MP. However, at the end of the day, my primary identity is as a cricketer for Bangladesh. No matter where I have been or in what position, I have always carried cricket in my heart."

Shakib Al Hasan is now set to play his final Test match and asked the fans to stand by him. The home Test series against South Africa will be his last. 

"You all know that I will soon be playing my last match… I want to say goodbye with all of you around. At the moment of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause compelled me to play better. I want to meet the eyes of those who cheered in joy when I played well and whose eyes welled up with tears when I did not. I believe that at this farewell moment, you will all be with me. Together, we will close the story that, in truth, stars not me, but all of you."