Dhaka, Bangladesh – In Magura, a sleepy city in southwest Bangladesh, about 168km (104 miles) from capital Dhaka, greater than a thousand persons are gathered outdoors a circular-shaped auditorium.
The crisp winter air barely lower quick their enthusiasm as they waited for Shakib Al Hasan – their “boy from the hometown” and arguably the largest sporting icon within the South Asian nation of some 170 million individuals.
Hasan arrived in a swanky SUV, waved his hand like a seasoned politician, and rapidly went contained in the auditorium the place once more a few hundred individuals had been ready for him as he appeared for an interview with a well-liked YouTuber and discuss present host, Rafsan Sabab.
The occasion was a part of a PR marketing campaign forward of the nationwide election in Bangladesh, to be held on January 7, through which Hasan, nonetheless an lively participant within the nationwide cricket staff, is contesting from his hometown constituency for the incumbent Awami League (AL) occasion.
Because the interview started, Sadab requested, with a smile: “Each district of Bangladesh has its personal speciality, be it meals, garment or a monument. Right here in Magura, after I ask anybody about its speciality, they unanimously say: Shakib Al Hasan.”
“Sure, I might have stated the identical,” Hasan wryly replied. Sadab laughed, so did the viewers.
However that cheeky reply maybe finest portrays the 36-year-old cricketer, identified for his aggressive fashion each on and off the bottom. That he’s usually known as the very best ever athlete Bangladesh has produced additionally helps.
Hasan, at present the captain of Bangladesh’s one-day staff, is ranked the primary all-rounder by the Worldwide Cricket Council in two of the three codecs of the sport concurrently – one-day internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 – and is ranked third in Check matches.
It’s usually stated that cricket and cinema are the dual obsessions of individuals in South Asia, with some cricketers turning into superstars and adored by thousands and thousands of followers. Some cricketers used their recognition to foray into politics, the previous Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan being the very best instance.
For Hasan, nonetheless, the scenario is a bit sophisticated.
‘You name it an election?’
In October, Bangladesh’s opposition events introduced a boycott of the election after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina refused to cede energy to a caretaker authorities to carry the vote. Hasina, ruling with an iron fist for 15 straight years, is in search of a fourth time period.
1000’s of opposition activists, primarily from the Bangladesh Nationalist Occasion (BNP), have both been arrested or compelled into hiding following a authorities crackdown since October, elevating considerations in regards to the legitimacy of the January 7 election.
Rights teams Amnesty Worldwide and Human Rights Watch have additionally warned the crackdown on the opposition is aimed toward subduing these towards the federal government forward of the vote. The federal government denies the cost, accusing the BNP of making an attempt to sabotage the polls.
On Tuesday, the opposition events started a brand new three-day marketing campaign, asking individuals to not go to the polling centres, whereas the ruling occasion continued its ballot marketing campaign.
The way through which the election is being held has angered many within the nation.
Hasan, generally known as the “unhealthy boy” of Bangladeshi cricket for a collection of controversies on the sector, isn’t proof against the criticism, as he seeks a seat within the nation’s parliament from Magura.
“You name it an election?” requested Ali Ahmed, a distinguished BNP politician in Hasan’s hometown. “It’s a variety. Declare Hasan the member of parliament now and save us all of the embarrassment.”
Ahmed’s frustration was echoed by many others in Magura Al Jazeera talked to. Whereas the city just isn’t an opposition stronghold, years of an allegedly authoritarian regime and inflation have strengthened the anti-incumbency sentiments among the many voters.
Mohammad Yusuf Ali, a confectionary store proprietor, advised Al Jazeera the Awami League occasion had robbed individuals of the festivity of a nationwide election.
“We’re being stripped of our voting rights. The final two elections had been a farce. The upcoming one is much more so. Everybody right here is aware of that Shakib [Al Hasan] would be the MP as he has no opponent. Is there any glory in scoring targets on an empty discipline?” he stated.
“Moreover, I don’t suppose he would have gained it if there was a correct election. Shakib is now not standard right here.”
Hasan is undoubtedly probably the most well-known individual to ever hail from Magura, politician Ahmed stated. He stated the native individuals had been taking immense pleasure in the truth that the cricketer put the identify of the small city on the world map by being one of many best gamers the sport has produced.
“In tea stalls, eating places and markets, individuals used to activate the TV and sit collectively each time he performed,” he stated.
“However he’s as disconnected an individual as might be from his hometown individuals. He’s boastful, snobbish and ill-mannered. He doesn’t have the capability to carry any political workplace. And by participating on this election, he has in all probability misplaced the final little bit of his recognition.”
Hasan’s supporters disagree.
‘Disheartening’
Mehedi Hasan Ujjal, Hasan’s cousin and considered one of his marketing campaign managers, claimed persons are embracing him with open arms.
“Simply take a look at the gang Shakib attracts wherever he goes. The gathering and cheering of those individuals communicate to how standard he’s,” Ujjal advised Al Jazeera.
Carrying a kurta and black waistcoat, a garment worn by Awami League politicians, the cricket star has been campaigning in cramped markets and households. On one event, he was seen kneeling in a discipline to embrace a homeless man. The video went viral on social media.
“I’m a sportsman. It doesn’t matter if I grow to be a politician. I’ll come right here to play cricket with you a lot occasions within the subsequent 5 years. I might be there for you in your thick and skinny,” he stated in an deal with at an area faculty.
“The younger individuals of Magura love him,” Noyon Khan, a pharmacy proprietor, advised Al Jazeera, “They’re very pleased to see Shakib as our MP. Some individuals within the space hate him out of jealousy as a result of he’s wealthy and profitable. However they’re only a few.”
Nazmul Aberdeen Fahim, veteran cricket coach whom Hasan as soon as known as his mentor, advised Al Jazeera that folks “misunderstand” the cricketer. “They suppose he’s unapproachable. That’s not true. He’s truly very all the way down to earth.”
Fahim stated Hasan has been in a position to break the mould of an “boastful” star cricketer and has was a talented communicator.
“He had it in him. You see, cricketers are suggested to steer clear of the general public to focus on their performances. That doesn’t imply they will’t run public places of work properly. The truth is, they will learn the psyche of the frequent individuals higher than most others,” he stated.
Regardless of a number of makes an attempt, Hasan refused to speak to Al Jazeera, saying he didn’t wish to give any “interview to a overseas media”. Over a quick cellphone name, he nonetheless stated it was “the proper time to enter into politics” for him.
Journalist and political analyst Rezaul Karim Rony stated Hasan maybe is the very best “consultant candidate” of Hasina’s Awami League occasion.
“Conceitedness, ignorance, lies, and never giving a rattling to frequent individuals’s wishes and calls for – these are the hallmarks of Awami politics within the final decade. Shakib is an ideal embodiment of that.”
Terming the upcoming election as a “large joke”, Rony stated: “If you realize the outcomes earlier than the election, it’s not precisely an election. It’s so disheartening to see sports activities icons and celebrities becoming a member of and selling this charade.”
