Chief Adviser Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has sharply criticised cricketer Shakib Al Hasan for joining the last parliamentary elections on the Awami League ticket, despite being fully aware of the party’s various misdeeds.

"The Awami League stained its hands with the blood of the people. It abducted and killed many youths. Shakib joined the Awami League despite having prior knowledge of the atrocities," he said after visiting Magura Medical College Hospital on Friday.

The July-August mass upsurge took place in Magura, likewise other parts of the country, where 3-4 boys were killed brutally, Shafiqul said.

"Shakib was a lawmaker from Magura. Didn't he know about the people killed during the movement? Has Shakib ever said he is sorry, as there was a killing in his constituency? Has he condemned it?" he said.

Shafiqul, once a seasoned journalist of foreign media, said he was covering the election in the Magura-1 constituency in 2024, but found no competitor in the electoral race. "It was a stage-managed election, and it was understood who would win the election, and Shakib knew in advance that he would win," he said.

Meanwhile, the CA's press secretary dismissed the alleged conspiracy to shut down the Magura Medical College, assuring its teachers and students that the government has no intention of closing, relocating or affiliating the medical college with any other institution.

His statement came in response to concerns raised by teachers and students regarding the future of the college.

Shafiqul said he is well-informed of the college's academic progress, which he described as satisfactory.

He encouraged students to stay focused on their studies, become responsible citizens and contribute positively to the country.

Magura Deputy Commissioner Md Ohidul Islam was also present at the meeting.