Bangladesh’s ongoing political and social upheaval has cast a long shadow over its cricketing community. Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan was seen actively participating in the protests, at times even evading police in the streets of Dhaka. Cricketers like Akbar Ali and Kamrul Islam Rabbi showed their support for the students from the early stages of the movement.
For Bangladesh batter Anamul Haque, the unrest hit particularly close to home. On July 25, during the height of the student protests in Dhaka, Anamul tragically lost a close friend, Akram, to the violence. Preparing to lead Bangladesh A in two crucial four-day games against Pakistan A in Islamabad, Anamul shared the emotional toll of the recent events at a press briefing at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
“I think you have heard that a friend, who was like a brother to me, died in the protests,” Anamul said. “We were very close. I get emotional when I think about him. I wish this tragedy and trauma doesn’t happen to anyone. I was in Chattogram, so I couldn’t reach my family in Dhaka. Everyone was touched by this tragedy in some capacity.”
Anamul spoke candidly about the trauma of losing contact with his family while in Chattogram during the protests, only to learn of his friend’s death later. The batter described sleepless nights after the fall of the Awami League government, staying up to care for his child and monitor the tense situation outside his home. Anamul witnessed many citizens guarding their properties amid the chaos, and expressed a strong desire for peace and fundamental rights for everyone in Bangladesh.
“I was up from 2am to 5am. I was taking care of my child,” he said. “I went down to see what was going on. I saw many people in the streets, guarding their property. I don’t know what these people want. We don’t want to live like this. We want to live in peace. Everyone deserves their fundamental rights. I think we all work honestly.”
Anamul also praised the students for maintaining order in Dhaka, stating that this is the kind of country they have always wanted—one where people take responsibility. However, when asked about the silence of cricket icons and Awami League MPs Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, Anamul was diplomatic, emphasizing that it’s up to individuals to decide whether to speak out or remain silent.
Also, see:
Imam Masjid-e-Nabawi Visits Pakistan for a Week-Long Stay 2024
