Iconic and charismatic Bangladesh captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza was recently nominated by Awami League to run for office from the Narail 2 constituency in the upcoming 11th general election.
His nomination was confirmed for the Narail 2 constituency on November 20.
Much loved by his fellow countrymen, Mashrafe was criticised in some quarters for his decision to leap from cricket to politics.
Mashrafe did not have any words to offer ever since collecting his nomination papers from Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on November 11, but he finally broke his silence Sunday on social media.
In his official Facebook page, Mashrafe said, “2001, journey begins in the cricket arena. This is 2018 now. Spent almost one and a half decades playing cricket, and I did it with the utmost dedication. Never made any compromises. Don’t want to make any compromises until the next World Cup (in 2019 in England and Wales). The rest depends on Almighty Allah.
The lure of politics always stayed with me. Because I always believed, without politics, it is not possible to make developments of the country. I played cricket, and in turn I got the love from you people. If that wasn’t the case, maybe I would’ve been lost in 2011. Maybe this Mashrafe would not have been present. The love that I got in 2011 from you people, helped me get going in these seven years. The opportunity has come for me to do something for the people of my country. I really don’t know what awaits me after the four years of the World Cup. That’s why I’m capitalising on my time. I simply replied to the demand of time. Because I believe, everything must be done within time.
I did not have the fortune of seeing Bangabandhu in flesh, but I grew up having got to know about his perception. After studying, and hearing from people, I placed him in my heart. And in the process, the essence of the liberation war was deeply ingrained in my mind and soul through my family.
Through the different development works done by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, I too want to do something for my locality. If I’m unable to do that, then I think I’ll be doing injustice to my neighbourhood. I will be depriving them somewhat. While playing cricket, I don’t quite think I have done enough as far as social responsibilities are concerned. I wanted to do something big and politics has given me the chance to do that.
I didn’t join politics to hurt any particular individual or party. I only seek to fulfill the ideals with regards to leading a beautiful life and maintaining mutual brotherhood, and I hope cooperative political culture prevails among us, that’s all I want.
Many have questioned as to why people like us should join politics! Truth be told, I don’t really know what kind of a human being I am. The fact that I am considered as a good person has led me to question as to why I am known as a good human being? If bowling two good balls, presenting you some enjoyable moments, and hugging one or two people make me a good person, then I never had the wish to be such a good person. I believe the time has come for you to judge me as a person, and my beliefs.
If I win in the upcoming election, and my party is able to form the government, only then my work will determine how good a person I am.
I know, it is easy to say but it is a challenge and even more harder to prove it through my works. However, I will not take a backward step. I could have remained confined within my comfort zone. But I dream, that the people of my locality would progress towards prosperity, and that the light of development would shine over the people of Narail. I want a prosperous Narail. No matter what it takes, I will be beside the residents of my beloved Narail.
Prior to buying my nomination papers, I took my daughter to one of the biggest of hospitals in Bangkok. Allah has afforded me such luxuries. But, I thought of those people who can’t afford such luxuries, those who, despite the most complicated of diseases, are not able to get the necessary medical assistance. I thought of those boys and girls, who, despite being talented, are not able to reach the threshold of higher studies from their respective villages. I thought of those people, who don’t get their worth despite working hard day and night.
I believe, every responsible, deserving and honest Bangladeshi citizen should join politics. Maybe they are not being able to do so, because of fear and mental limitations. I felt it imperative to break that mental obstacle, that wall. That’s why I took this initiative to fulfill that inner responsibility of mine. The reputation that I had built up in all these years, maybe it is being questioned now in light of me joining politics. But in the truest sense, I am thrilled of this new realm of possibility. I hope, I will be able to achieve something that might inspire the thousands of Mashrafes in future, Inshallah.
I am saying it again, I have no wish to harm any particular individual or party. I’m just trying to fulfill the demand of time. I hope, your love will carry me through this particular innings. I want to be whetted in your love and support.”