Bangladesh targets national hero Shakib Al Hasan with fresh corruption allegations

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s national hero and former top-ranking all-rounder, has found himself entangled in a web of corruption and murder allegations, marking a significant downfall. The change in regimes in Bangladesh has played a pivotal role in Shakib’s current predicament. Once appointed as the brand ambassador for Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), he is now the subject of an ACC investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption.

The situation took a turn when Supreme Court lawyer Milhanur Rahman Naomi formally requested the ACC to probe various accusations against Shakib, ranging from stock market manipulation to engaging in illegal gambling and casino activities. Other claims include involvement in gold smuggling, money siphoning from crab traders, cricket-related corruption, and concealing assets in election filings.

Subsequently, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) intervened by freezing Shakib’s bank accounts as part of a broader financial investigation. The situation escalated following the fall of the Awami League government, leading to implications of murder against Shakib, the ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and others in the death of a garment worker. Consequently, Shakib was excluded from the national cricket team, with legal actions pressuring the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to ensure his return for further investigation.

Shakib’s fall from grace amid the political upheaval in Bangladesh is marked by a tumultuous timeline. From being a celebrated national hero to facing public discontent, his journey reflects a period of legal battles and personal choices in the country’s turbulent history. The regime change in August 2024 triggered a chain of events that transformed Shakib’s reputation from a revered figure to a scrutinized persona in the eyes of the public.

As protests erupted in Bangladesh and legal proceedings unfolded, Shakib’s involvement in a murder case added to the public backlash against him. Effigies were burned, and demonstrations labeled him a “murderer,” contrasting with the adoration he once received as a cricket star. Despite these challenges, Shakib found support from teammates and received assurances of security from the BCB upon his return to Bangladesh.

In the midst of escalating tensions and uncertainty, Shakib announced plans to retire from Test and T20I cricket, marking the end of his international career following the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Advice from sports advisers urged him to stay away from potential risks in Bangladesh, underscoring the complexities of his current situation. Despite his fall from grace, Shakib Al Hasan’s legacy as Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer is overshadowed by the turmoil and controversies that have engulfed his once-illustrious career.