Former Bangladesh captain Masharafe Mortaza's house has been reportedly set on fire on August 5 amid violence in the country following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure after resignation.
The cricketer-turned-politician is a Member of Parliament of the ruling Awami League party from the Narail-2 constituency in Khulna division. Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, he was elected MP earlier this year during general elections in the country.
Reportedly, the protestors were angry over Mortaza's silence on alleged "massacres and mass arrests of students". The violent protests are in the aftermath over government jobs quota scheme. It led to widespread violence in the country. On August 5, the Army chief confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stepped down and left the country.
Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh and sought shelter in India. Her official residence was also vandalised by the protestors. There are several videos on social media showing the vandalisation of the property. The former Prime Minister is expected to fly to Europe. After serving 15 years as Prime Minister, she will negotiate a refuge in Europe.
Mortaza’s career in numbers
Mortaza has led Bangladesh in one Test, 28 T20Is and 88 ODIs. Under his captaincy, Bangladesh won 50 ODIs, 10 T20Is and one Test. He is Bangladesh's most successful captain as far as win percentage and numbers of wins are considered.
He made his ODI and Test debut in November 2001. The fast-bowling all-rounder has 78 wickets in Tests, 270 in ODIs and 42 in T20Is. The 40-year-old made healthy contributions down the order. In Tests, he has 797 runs from 67 innings including three fifties. In ODIs, he has 1,787 runs from 158 innings including a half-century. In T20Is, he scored 377 runs at a strike rate of 136.10.
He played his last ODI game in 2020 against Zimbabwe. The Norail-born cricketer played his last competitive game in List A tournament for Legends of Rupganj in Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League in April earlier this year.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
