Shakib Al Hasan Breaks Silence on Safari Park Photo During Coup

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan faced widespread criticism for his silent role during the anti-discrimination movement in July-August last year. When the whole country was in turmoil, Shakib was seen roaming in a safari park in Canada. That photo was posted on Facebook by Shakib's wife Shishir. After the country's change of heart, questions arose about Shakib's role at that time. After that, this member of parliament from the previous Awami League government was never able to return to the country.

Shakib Al Hasan spoke about many things like why he took such a silent role at that time, whether it was wrong to post the photo of roaming in the safari park, in a recent interview with an English daily in the country.

His explanation about the photo of roaming in the safari park, 'To be honest, I was out of the country for quite some time. First I went to play Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, then to Canada. The photo was taken in Canada. I did not post it myself. Still, I take responsibility for it. It was a pre-planned family trip. Now I realise, yes, as a public figure I should have been more aware. I admit that. But my focus was always on cricket — before and after becoming a member of Parliament. I was never asked to get involved in politics. I was always told, "Just play cricket." So I focused on that.'

Shakib Al Hasan claimed that he could not have predicted the backlash that the picture would create, 'To be honest, I did not think it (the picture) would spread so much. After the backlash started, I realised how serious the situation was. Many people have told me that they were hurt by seeing that picture at the time. Now I realise that it was a mistake. Even though others posted similar things, mine got more attention. It may have been because of me. But I should have been more careful.'

Shakib Al Hasan had an argument with a spectator while playing the Global T20 League in Canada. In the interview, Shakib Al Hasan also spoke about that, "I think that person came with the intention of provoking me. Or maybe he was very frustrated. He was repeatedly asking why I was not doing anything (in that state of the country). At one point, I asked him, "Brother, what have you done?" The situation heated up from there. Look, people will judge whether I did something or not. But if someone repeatedly asks me a question, don't I have the right to answer? I even asked him - and the others there, what could I do? I was not ignoring the events of that time. I just didn't know what to do, what would be effective. The government and others asked me to post something. But what would be the use of that? Would it help? Would it add fuel to the fire? I always believe in acting responsibly. If I can't bring about direct change, then what is the use of empty talk!"