Ishraque backs ‘national assets’ Shakib, Mashrafe

Talking to Khelajog on Sunday, the newly elected Member of Parliament Ishraque Hossain threw his full support for the return of senior all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to the Bangladesh cricket team, and also hailed the former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, calling them ‘national assets’, despite their controversial political past.

When he was asked whether his stance had changed regarding the Bangladesh cricket legends, Ishraque was emphatic in his response.

“Why would my position change? They are athletes, they are cricketers and not just any cricketers, they are assets of our country,” he said. “I consider them as cricketers. Society and the public have already given a kind of response to them.”

The Brothers Union owner also stressed that both Shakib and Mashrafe should be viewed through the lens of their sporting contributions rather than their political affiliations. Addressing genocide-related allegations that have been linked to political figures, the MP said he found such accusations against the cricketers implausible.

“I do not find it credible. I don’t believe they went and carried out orders or took guns in their own hands to shoot and kill,” the politician said. “If there are any corruption or money-laundering cases, the authorities should investigate them through proper legal steps.”