Residence of Former Bangladesh Cricket Captain Shakib Al Hasan Attacked Following Ousted Prime Minister's Public Media Event

The violent escalation erupted just hours after Shakib, who previously served as a lawmaker for the Awami League, joined a virtual session organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi. During the virtual audio address, the exiled leader reiterated her firm intention to return to Bangladesh, despite facing an active death sentence in her home country. The coincidence of the two events highlights the lingering political tensions surrounding key figures associated with the ousted administration.

Ancestral Property Damaged in Magura Following High-Profile Virtual Address

Local police confirmed the details of the attack on the former national cricket captain's family residence in Magura town. The attackers broke several windows before launching petrol bombs directly into the structure, which quickly set fire to the upper level of the building.
Emergency services managed the situation while ensuring that no individuals were caught inside the burning property. Because the residence was empty when the violent assault took place, no injuries were sustained by residents or bystanders in the surrounding neighborhood.

Ousted Prime Minister Vows Return to Bangladesh Despite Severe Legal Threats

During the virtual event, held on the second anniversary of her political ouster, 78-year-old Sheikh Hasina made her first public interaction with international media since fleeing the country in August 2024. Addressing the audience from New Delhi, where she currently resides, Hasina expressed an unwavering commitment to return to her homeland in December.

The former prime minister acknowledged the extreme personal risks associated with her planned return to Bangladesh. "I will return to my people," Hasina stated during the audio address, adding that she knows authorities may put her in jail or kill her, but maintained that she still has to go back.

Former Awami League Lawmaker Faces Widespread Legal Investigations

Shakib Al Hasan, who secured a seat in parliament as an Awami League candidate during the January 2024 elections, has remained outside Bangladesh since the student-led uprising successfully toppled Hasina’s administration. His participation in the New Delhi media event further inflamed public sentiment among political opponents at home.

The former cricket captain currently faces a series of extensive legal inquiries inside Bangladesh. Authorities have initiated multiple investigations against him, covering serious allegations that include murder, embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering.

Foreign Ministry Condemns New Delhi Media Appearance Amid Extradition Requests

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry issued a strong condemnation regarding Hasina’s public appearance, characterising the broadcast as an affront to the sovereignty of Bangladesh. Official representatives warned that permitting the exiled leader to address international media from Indian territory could severely damage bilateral relations between the neighboring nations.

Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 by Bangladesh's war crimes tribunal over the deadly crackdown on the 2024 student-led uprising, charges she has repeatedly dismissed as politically motivated. While Bangladesh continues to formally seek her extradition, Indian authorities stated that the official request remains under legal examination according to domestic procedures.