BNP standing committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed advised Shakib Al Hasan not to join Awami League.
He also commented that if he had not joined politics, the Tiger all-rounder would now be roaming the streets of Dhaka with respect.
Major Hafiz made these comments while attending the launching ceremony of the Bangladesh District and Divisional Sports Organizers Association, a new organization of sports organizers, on Saturday.
Eariler, Shakib was elected as a member of parliament from Magura-1 constituency by participating in the 12th National Parliament election in January last year on behalf of the Awami League. The story that followed is known to everyone.
Before joining politics, Shakib met Major Hafiz for taking advices. He advised the Tiger all-rounder not to join politics. At least, he warned him not to get involved in Awami League politics.
Reminiscing about that day, Major Hafiz said, "Shakib Al Hasan came to my house one day. In the middle of many conversations, I gave him some advice, which he did not accept and got into trouble. I told him, whatever you do, Awami League will not be a right place for you. He was a little saddened to hear this. He thought that if he joined the Awami League, he would become a minister, and many good things would happen."
Hafiz added, "I told him, joining politics while playing for the national team is not exactly a good idea. You have lot of fame and goodwill. I have seen you as the best all-rounder for several years. You should not join into politics now. Even if you do, I’ll say this party (Awami League) does not have a long life. He remained silent and left after a while. If he had listened to me, he would not have gone into such politics. Today, he could have walked the streets of Dhaka with great respect."
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
