Major Hafiz recalls advising Shakib Al Hasan not to join Awami League

BNP Standing Committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has said he advised cricketer Shakib Al Hasan not to join the Awami League ahead of the 12th parliamentary election.

“Whatever you do, do not join politics — never join the Awami League,” Mr Hafiz remembered telling Shakib, who had visited him at his Dhaka residence before the polls.

He said Shakib was visibly hurt by the advice, as the cricketer had hoped to become a Member of Parliament and possibly even a minister.

Mr Hafiz made the remarks on Saturday at the launch of the Bangladesh District and Divisional Sports Organisers Association.

Shakib was elected to the 12th Parliament but has been abroad since the fall of the Awami League government and has not been able to return home.

Cricketer Tamim Iqbal was also present at the event. Addressing him directly, Mr Hafiz urged him not to enter politics either.