Too new to talk about democracy

Having secured the Awami League nomination from Magura-1 for the January 7 national election, Bangladesh's most famous cricketer has turned his focus to the political field. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan spoke about his reason for joining AL, what the people in Magura need and whether entering politics means his cricket career is in its last phase.

The Daily Star (DS): You have been going out on campaigns for the first time. How has your experience been?

Shakib Al Hasan (SAH): I have been enjoying it. It's been good going to the people.

DS: What is your ambition now for your political innings? At what level do you want to see yourself in the political arena?

SAH: There is no ambition. What I wish is that I will be able to work for the people and meet their needs and demands.

DS: What do you feel is the major need for people here since you have been going around Magura and talking to them?

SAH: People want peace, and ensuring that is important. After the election, if the people of Magura want me then I will have a detailed plan. But I think the opportunity is there to do something very good. Working with some good policymakers and getting ideas from them means it will go ahead without many problems.

DS: Why did you choose to start your political career with the Awami League?

SAH: I feel that the way the country's economy and other sectors are developing, this is the right path for me. It's good because there is a lot more options for me to work with. That is why I chose Awami League.

The plan that Awami League has or the master plan that the honourable prime minister has till 2045, if it has to be fulfilled then I feel that the longer Awami League is in power, the further the development curve will go.

Everyone thinks of the country and has good ideas but I feel that not many people have the mentality to undertake the scale or level of work required. Naturally, I have been in touch a lot with the PM and talked to her. I feel that I know her well. I feel that the vision she has will make Bangladesh a role model for this world. If I can help to achieve that from my position, it will have an all-around effect and will go ahead positively.

DS: Since you are still playing cricket, do you feel you rushed into politics?

SAH: No, I feel that this is the right time.

TDS: Is that because you feel that you are in the last few years of your career?

SAH: No, actually it's not like I am seeing the end of something. I don't see anything coming to an end.

DS: Does your family have any background in politics?

SAH: No. From what I know, there was nothing at any time. I haven't seen any active politics (in the family).

DS: This time you managed nomination papers from three constituencies. Do you feel that competing from Magura-1 sees you start from your strongest position?

SAH: That's what I feel. Since I am a boy from Magura, being able to do it from here is something to be cherished and also a matter of pride. Since the honourable PM has given me the nomination from here, nothing can be better than that. That's the best gift I have received from her. Being able to do something from my own area, my birthplace ... nothing can be better than that for me.

DS: Is it a relief for you that Saifuzzaman Shikhor (incumbent Magura-1 lawmaker, who is not contesting the polls) is campaigning for you?

SAH: See, here everyone is helping, starting from Shikhor bhai to the district Awami League, since I am new to this. What we have learned in cricket is that the team is more important than the individual. So here, everyone will be working for the party, working for its requirements and to make it win and that's what's natural.

DS: What will your election manifesto contain?

SAH: Yes, we are working on that and since I am very busy, there is a separate team working on that for a detailed view.

DS: What does democracy mean to you?

SAH: Look, I am too small a figure to talk about this subject. My political career has just begun and I am only seven or eight days old in this field. So, I don't think it will be good to comment on it. I might say something unintentionally and that can create problems for me afterwards.

I feel that I don't have the right to talk about something like that. I will try to get as many votes from my position and win, and am working so that there is a high presence of voters during the polls.