Ishraq Hossain, Member of Parliament for Dhaka-6 and Convener of Brothers Union, has stated that the genocide cases filed against former national team stars Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza do not seem "credible" to him.
He emphasized that these two cricketers should be viewed as national "assets" rather than just politicians.
The comments come at a time of significant transition for both players:
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza: Long retired from international cricket, he has remained out of the public eye since August 5, 2024.
Shakib Al Hasan: Currently staying abroad following multiple legal cases filed against him after the July uprising.
"They Are National Assets"
In an interview with a television channel, Ishraq defended the duo’s legacy, separating their sporting contributions from the political allegations.
Live TV
RTV Plus 
"They are cricketers—and not just any cricketers; they are assets to our country. I consider them as cricketers. The public has already given their answer in a way. The genocide case filed against them does not seem credible to me. I don’t believe they went out to carry out orders or picked up guns to kill anyone."
Criticism of BCB and "Syndicate" Politics
Ishraq also took aim at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), specifically criticizing the counselor selection process. He labeled the involvement of District Commissioners in appointing counselors as "grand corruption" and a "biased trade."
On Board Influence: He warned that if a "syndicate" attempts to seize control of the board, stakeholders cannot remain silent.
Personal Ambitions: Despite his criticism, Ishraq clarified he has no intention of joining the board himself.
"I will never join the board even if I am a counselor. I don't have the time; I am a full-time politician. I want full-time sports organizers to lead, and we will support them," he added.
