In a troubling incident, the home of former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan was attacked, resulting in broken windows and the use of petrol bombs. This violence occurred shortly after Shakib participated in a virtual event featuring Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who made her first public media appearance since her removal from power in 2024.
The attack took place on Wednesday at Shakib's ancestral home located in Magura town, approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) southwest of the capital city, Dhaka. Fortunately, the property was unoccupied during the assault, and no injuries were reported. Police confirmed that a group of individuals targeted the residence, which suffered significant damage, including a fire on the upper floor.
Shakib, who has previously served as a lawmaker for the Awami League party, attended the event organized by the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia in New Delhi. During this virtual interaction, Hasina reiterated her intention to return to Bangladesh, despite facing serious legal challenges, including a death sentence related to her alleged involvement in the violent crackdown during the 2024 student-led uprising.
Since the uprising that led to her ousting, Shakib has remained outside Bangladesh and is currently under investigation for various serious charges, including murder, embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering. His participation in Hasina's media event has drawn significant attention, given the political climate in Bangladesh.
During the event, Hasina, now 78 years old, expressed her determination to return to her homeland, stating, "I will return to my people. I know that they may put me in jail or they may kill me, but still I have to go back." This statement underscores the tense political situation in Bangladesh, where Hasina's party has been banned from political activities since her ouster.
In response to Hasina's media appearance, Bangladesh's foreign ministry condemned the event, labeling it an affront to the country's sovereignty. Officials warned that allowing Hasina to address the media from India could jeopardize diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Since fleeing to New Delhi in August 2024, Hasina has been living in exile while Bangladesh has sought her extradition. The Indian government has indicated that it is reviewing the extradition request in accordance with its legal procedures. In November 2025, she was sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh's war crimes tribunal for her alleged role in the 2024 uprising, a charge she has dismissed as politically motivated.
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