Bangladesh Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan Joins Politics, Seeks Awami League Ticket to Contest 2024 Polls

Dhaka: Bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has officially entered the political arena, seeking a nomination from the ruling Bangladesh Awami League for the upcoming general election on January 7. The announcement was made by Awami League joint secretary general Bahauddin Nasim, who highlighted Shakib’s immense popularity among the country’s youth.

Shakib, a celebrated cricket all-rounder, has taken nomination forms to contest in three constituencies, with plans to secure a seat either in his southwestern home district of Magura or in the capital, Dhaka. However, his candidacy awaits confirmation from the ruling party parliamentary board, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The general election is slated to be boycotted by major opposition parties, increasing the likelihood of Hasina returning to power for a fourth term. Despite her leadership being credited with impressive economic growth, concerns have been raised about democratic backsliding and allegations of vote-rigging in past polls.

The move follows the footsteps of former cricket captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who entered politics in 2018 and was elected as a lawmaker from the ruling party the same year. Mortaza later stepped away from cricket to focus on his political career.