An Islamist in Bangladesh, which is a majority Muslim country, has threatened to kill one of the best cricketers and perhaps Bangladesh’s best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for inaugurating a Kali Puja program in Kolkata, Dhaka Tribune reported.
A young man from Sylhet, identified as Mohsin Talukdar from Shahpur Talukdarpara village in Tukerbazar union, issued a threat to kill leading Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan during a live Facebook session.
Mohsin Talukdar appeared during the Facebook live session and hurled abuses at Shakib while holding a large machete in his hand and was very angry and according to this Islamist, Shakib should be killed for hurting the religious sentiment of Muslims by inaugurating the puja mandap which is associated with Hindus.
‘Shakib must be killed. I would murder him by hacking if I get him in touch,’ Mahsin claimed in the video. Mahsin also demanded Shakib offer an apology for ‘hurting the Muslims.’
The incident took place on November 12 when Shakib inaugurated a Kali Puja program in Kolkata and it is being reported he also took part in the inauguration of the 59th Shyama Puja of “Amra Shobai Club” at Kankurgachi in East Kolkata by cutting the ribbon and lighting the lamp.
However, Shakib after being threatened has issued an unequivocal apology and for hurting the sentiments of his supporters and has flatly denied for inaugurating puja mandap and sought forgiveness.
‘Media, social media everywhere it was flooded that I went to Kolkata to inaugurate a puja ceremony which actually was not the reason behind my visit and I did not inaugurate puja,’ Shakib said during the Facebook live.
‘Puja was inaugurated by Firhad Hakim, mayor of Kolkata. In my invitation card it was clearly mentioned that I was not the chief guest for puja,’ he said.
“Being a practising Muslim I always try to follow the religious customs. Please forgive me if I have done anything wrong” he said.
Shakib Al Hasan has been part of the Indan Premier League (IPL) for eight seasons and won the championship twice with Kolkata Knight Riders and once with Sunrisers Hyderabad.