Mashrafe, Shakib likely to run for polls

Says Mustafa Kamal

Bangladesh cricket stars Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan are likely to contest the next general elections, scheduled to be held later this year. Planning minister AHM Mustafa Kamal disclosed this yesterday while briefing reporters after a meeting of the ECNEC. Mashrafe and Shakib, however, could not be contacted in this respect. “It's definite that Mashrafe will contest the election from Narail. He (Mashrafe) is a nice man. You will vote for him,” said the minister. Asked if Mashrafe would contest the next election on behalf of the BNP, Kamal said, “If he contests the polls, you must vote for him irrespective of the party affiliation.”  Regarding Shakib Al Hasan, who hails from Magura, the minister said he was also likely to contest the next elections.

However, sources close to Mashrafe and Shakib said they were yet to take any decision on contesting the next general elections. According to them, the ruling party is keen to involve the two cricketers in the next polls, even though they only wanted to concentrate on the 2019 World Cup at this juncture. The two players have no intention to take part in the polls right now, the sources added.

When asked how Mashrafe and Shakib would play the Cricket World Cup 2019 if they contest the next polls, the minister said there would be no problem. Shakib Al Hasan is currently with the national team, which has headed for India’s Dehradun, where the Tigers will play a three-match T20 international series against Afghanistan.

Mashrafe, popularly known as the Narail Express, has retired from T20, and has been engaged in social activities for quite some time now.

Mashrafe, Shakib likely to run for polls

Says Mustafa Kamal

Bangladesh cricket stars Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan are likely to contest the next general elections, scheduled to be held later this year. Planning minister AHM Mustafa Kamal disclosed this yesterday while briefing reporters after a meeting of the ECNEC. Mashrafe and Shakib, however, could not be contacted in this respect. Its definite that Mashrafe will contest the election from Narail. He (Mashrafe) is a nice man. You will vote for him, said the minister. Asked if Mashrafe would contest the next election on behalf of the BNP, Kamal said, If he contests the polls, you must vote for him irrespective of the party affiliation. Regarding Shakib Al Hasan, who hails from Magura, the minister said he was also likely to contest the next elections. However, sources close to Mashrafe and Shakib said they were yet to take any decision on contesting the next general elections. According to them, the ruling party is keen to involve the two cricketers in the next polls, even though they only wanted to concentrate on the 2019 World Cup at this juncture. The two players have no intention to take part in the polls right now, the sources added. When asked how Mashrafe and Shakib would play the Cricket World Cup 2019 if they contest the next polls, the minister said there would be no problem. Shakib Al Hasan is currently with the national team, which has headed for Indias Dehradun, where the Tigers will play a three-match T20 international series against Afghanistan. Mashrafe, popularly known as the Narail Express, has retired from T20, and has been engaged in social activities for quite some time now.