Shakib, Ferdous, Hasina accused in same murder case

Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, celebrated as the ‘poster boy’ of Bangladeshi cricket, has been implicated in a murder case alongside former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Dhallywood actor Ferdous Ahmed and others. 

This case is part of a broader legal struggle for Sheikh Hasina, who has faced multiple accusations since her government was overthrown by a student-led mass movement.

The case was filed on Thursday by Rafiqul Islam, whose son Rubel, a garment factory worker, was killed on August 5 in Adabor. Inspector Md Nazrul Islam of Adabor Police Station confirmed the development.

Although Shakib was not in Bangladesh during the anti-government protests, his name has surfaced in the murder case. Shakib, who currently represents the Awami League in parliament, is presently in Pakistan for a Test series.

In addition to Shakib, former Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan has been named in the case. Other notable figures listed among the 156 accused include Obaidul Quader, former MP Syed Sayedul Haque Sumon, and actor Ferdous Ahmed. Shakib is identified as accused No. 28, Sayedul as No. 29, Ferdous as No. 55, and Nazmul as No. 65.

The case also includes former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and several other political figures and former high-ranking officials, including former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and former RAB DG Harun-or-Rashid.

The Bangladesh Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League, Shechhashebok League, Sramik League, Tanti League, Krishak League, and Matsyajibi League have also been named as organizations implicated in the case. Additionally, 400-500 unidentified individuals are accused.

Rafiqul Islam claims that Rubel was participating in a procession on Ring Road in Adabor when he was shot following orders, instigation, and support from the accused. Rubel was critically injured and died on August 7.

According to the case documents, Sheikh Hasina’s inflammatory rhetoric and the subsequent actions of the accused are alleged to have escalated the peaceful protests into violence. The documents accuse Sheikh Hasina of labeling protesters as ‘grandchildren of Razakars,’ which is said to have undermined the spirit of the Liberation War and incited violence.

The documents further allege that Sheikh Hasina’s directives led to a crackdown on students and the public, including violent assaults and genocide. It is claimed that Obaidul Quader and other accused orchestrated attacks on protesters and used media to incite violence. The case details how various figures, including Shakib, Ferdous, and Nazmul Hassan, are alleged to have been involved in these decisions.