A petrol bomb attack and vandalism targeted Shakib Al Hasan’s ancestral home in Magura shortly after the former Bangladesh captain joined Sheikh Hasina’s virtual press conference from New Delhi.
A petrol bomb was thrown at the ancestral home of former Bangladesh cricket captain and former Awami League MP Shakib Al Hasan on Wednesday night, just hours after he appeared virtually at a press conference alongside former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The incident took place at Shakib Al Hasan’s family residence in the Keshabmor area of Magura town. According to the information provided, the property was also vandalised during the attack.
The attack reportedly occurred at around 8:45 pm local time, shortly after Sheikh Hasina addressed a virtual press conference organised at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in New Delhi.
Following the incident, the Awami League issued a statement alleging that the attack was linked to Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in the press conference. The party also claimed that several political groups had publicly warned media organisations against reporting on the event.
The statement described the attack as a consequence of attending the press conference and accused opponents of carrying out a campaign against Awami League leaders and supporters.
During her virtual address, Sheikh Hasina said she intended to return to Bangladesh in December despite the risks she claimed she could face.
“My return is not about power, it’s about putting Bangladesh back on track of development, secularism and prosperity,” she said.
The former prime minister also said she was prepared to face arrest or even death upon her return, adding that she wanted to be with the people of Bangladesh.
Hasina has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after leaving Bangladesh following the collapse of her government amid months of anti-government protests.
According to the information provided, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced her to death in absentia in November over alleged crimes against humanity related to the 2024 crackdown on student-led protests. Bangladesh has since sought her extradition from India.
During the press conference, Sheikh Hasina appealed to the international community to support what she described as Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy and justice. She also alleged that organised groups had turned the 2024 protests into a violent political campaign.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and several Awami League leaders, including former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, also participated virtually.
The press conference had already attracted diplomatic attention, with Bangladesh reportedly seeking clarification from New Delhi earlier this week over Hasina’s decision to address the media from Indian territory.
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