Renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has ventured into the realm of politics, having gained approval from the Awami League to run for parliamentary representation.
As per official confirmation from Bahauddin Nasim, the joint secretary general of the Awami League, Shakib Al Hasan acquired nomination forms on Saturday for the upcoming 2024 elections. His candidacy is focused on the Magura-1 constituency, which happens to be his hometown district, with the elections scheduled for January 7.
Bahauddin Nasim extended a warm welcome to the cricket luminary, emphasizing his celebrity status and widespread popularity, especially among the youth of the nation.
Currently recuperating from a finger injury sustained during the World Cup match against Sri Lanka on November 6, Shakib remains uncertain about his return to the cricket field.
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It is noteworthy that Shakib Al Hasan is aligning with a well-established trend in Bangladesh cricket, where the transition from cricket to politics is not an unprecedented occurrence.
A case in point is former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who ventured into politics and became a Member of Parliament in the previous elections, representing Narail. Mashrafe has once again received a nomination this year, underscoring his continued involvement in community activities in his hometown. In contrast, Shakib has not actively engaged in public life beyond his cricketing career.
The President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Nazmul Hassan, an MP since 2009, secured another nomination from his Kishoreganj constituency. Similarly, BCB Director Shafiul Alam Chowdhury received a nomination for the Moulvibazar seat.
Despite concerted efforts, former Bangladesh captain Naimur Rahman, the incumbent MP, faced an unsuccessful bid to secure the Manikganj seat for the upcoming elections. On the cricket front, Shakib, who had previously announced his decision to step down as the ODI captain before the World Cup, retains his position as the leader in T20 Internationals.