Asif Takes Aim at Shakib Over Hasina Birthday Post, Sparks Social Media Storm

While cricket fans were engrossed in the Asia Cup final, a different kind of drama unfolded off the field, with a pointed social media exchange stirring up tension among Bangladesh’s sports lovers. Nobody named names outright, but the target was clear as day to those following the saga.

On Sunday night at 8:52 PM, Shakib al Hasan posted a birthday wish for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Facebook, sharing an old photo with her and writing, “Happy Birthday Apa.”

By 10:00 PM, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan fired back on his personal account: “You all cursed me a thousand times for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right. End of story.”

Social media buzzed, with fans quick to connect Asif’s vague jab to Shakib’s Hasina post. The bad blood goes back to August 5, 2024, when Hasina fled amid a student-led uprising, ending her 15-year rule. She’s now in India.

Shakib, an Awami League MP in the 12th Parliament, drew scrutiny for his silence during the anti-discrimination protests. He was in Canada at the time and hasn’t returned since. Now, Shakib faces murder charges, share market scam allegations, and Anti-Corruption Commission cases.

He planned to wrap his international career with the October 2024 Mirpur Test against South Africa, but his return from the US was blocked—many point fingers at Asif’s influence. Asif’s post seemed to nod to those rumors.

At 11:20 PM, Shakib responded: “I might return to my beloved homeland someday. I love Bangladesh.”

About 18 hours later, Asif hit back with a biting, sarcastic retort: “Brother, I was forced into nomination. I just ran the election, never dived into party politics.”

He doubled down: “You know who. Hands stained with student blood can’t wave Bangladesh’s flag. Despite the board demanding a clear stance, endorsing killers—plus share scams, money laundering, financial fraud—why should a good cricketer get a free pass? The law applies to everyone. Deal with it.”

The online spat has split fans, with some crying foul over political targeting and others backing Asif’s stand against Awami loyalists. As a key 2024 uprising coordinator, Asif positions himself as a defender of the revolution, while Shakib clings to hopes of returning despite legal troubles.