Shakib shocks an admiring nation

We are really shocked at the indecent behaviour of our ace national cricketer Shakib Al Hasan. He made 'an inappropriate gesture' which was telecast live on television during the second ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Although he asked for an unconditioned apology later, we don't expect such frivolous behaviour of our national hero. The Bangladesh Cricket Control Board fined the former captain Tk 0.3 million. Shakib will also miss the first two Asia Cup matches against India on February 26, Afghanistan on March 1 and final ODI match against Sri Lanka.

I hope the incident will work as an eye-opener for other prominent public figures and they will realise they cannot speak or act as they like when they are in public. Sakib is one of the most-loved celebrities and he is unofficially a brand ambassador of our country. Sakib is known for his boyish charm and down to earth attitude.

So, when I first heard the news, it was totally unbelievable for me. I hope Sakib has learned his lesson and he will be more conscious about his behaviour and action everywhere. We must not forget that good manners cost nothing but are worth everything.

Mohammad Sohel Hara

Shahjadpur, Dhaka

sohelhara@hotmail.com