Supporters and opponents of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan clashed outside Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) headquarters in Dhaka's Mirpur, on the eve of Bangladesh-South Africa Test match.
Hundreds of Shakib's supporters gathered near Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, demanding his inclusion in the Test squad and calling for the resignation of newly-appointed BCB president Faruque Ahmed. The protest, which initially remained peaceful, turned violent when another group arrived, chanting anti-Shakib slogans and attacking his supporters.
As tensions escalated, army personnel were deployed to disperse both groups. At the time of the clash, security forces were still attempting to restore order.
This latest demonstration comes days after another protest outside the BCB headquarters, following the announcement that Shakib would not play in the Dhaka Test, which was expected to be his final appearance in the format. Shakib had previously announced his retirement from Test cricket during Bangladesh's series against India in Kanpur.
Adding to the tension, students involved in the movement that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government formed a human chain earlier in front of the BCB, demanding Shakib’s exclusion from the national team and a trial for his alleged role during anti-government protests.
The BCB had included Shakib in the squad for the Test series against South Africa, but concerns over his security led to the sports advisor to the interim government, Asif Mahmud, advising Shakib not to return to the country. Shakib ultimately followed the advice and opted out of the Test match.
With the situation escalating, the fate of the upcoming Test and the political tensions surrounding Shakib's absence remain uncertain.
