Shakib in Kolkata

Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan went to Kolkata, India on Thursday. Shakib inaugurated a Kali Puja mandap in Kolkata on Thursday evening. That is why he left for India through Benapole International Checkpost around 1pm on Thursday.

An official inauguration of Kankurgachi Sammilita Sri Sri Shyama Puja was held. Honorable Metropolitan and Minister of State Mr. Firhad Hakim was also present at the inaugural function.

Before leaving for India, Shakib paid a courtesy call on Benapole Customs Commissioner Azizur Rahman at Benapole Customs House. Additional Customs Commissioner Dr Mohammad Neyamul Islam was present at the time.

After staying there for a while, Shakib left for India directly through Benapole checkpost immigration. Hundreds of local media personnel and cricket fans were present at the time. Strict security measures were taken for Shakib at the check post.

Shakib is very popular in both India and Bangladesh. Indian organizer Paresh Pal said Shakib arrived in Kolkata from Dhaka on Thursday. After inaugurating the puja in the evening, Shakib returned to Dhaka.

The organizers also said that the Indian embassy issued visas to the world’s best all-rounder without any hassle.

Earlier, the High Commission of India was delighted to have Bangladesh premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan on board as a part of their ‘air bubble’ arrangement, aimed at keeping and maintaining safe air traffic between the two neighbouring countries. Shakib, after arriving in the country from the US last week, has kept himself busy in fulfilling his many commercial commitments. 

The all-rounder — who finished serving a year-long ban last month — is set to play in the upcoming Bangabandhu T20 Cup, scheduled to start at the latter part of this month.