Syed Ashraful Haque, a former Bangladesh Cricket Board general secretary and ex-CEO of the Asian Cricket Council, has publicly expressed deep concern over the imprisonment and treatment of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a statement released to the media, Haque characterized the current conditions under which Khan is being held as nothing short of barbaric.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated for approximately three and a half years. Despite a recent directive from the Supreme Court of Pakistan mandating that authorities provide him with appropriate medical care following a decline in his health, the order has reportedly not been implemented. This lack of action has prompted 21 former international cricket captains from around the globe to address a formal letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, seeking intervention.
Reflecting on his long-standing friendship with Khan, Haque recalled that their bond began in 1971 when Khan visited Dhaka as part of the Lahore Under-19 team. Their relationship continued through various encounters in England, India, and other parts of the world over the decades. Haque also noted that Khan was among the first Pakistani political figures to advocate for an official apology regarding Pakistan’s actions against Bangladesh in 1971.
Haque defended Khan’s political legacy, stating that his entry into politics was driven solely by a desire to eradicate corruption, supported by a clear mandate from the public. He argued that keeping a globally respected figure in such inhumane conditions is unacceptable for any civilized nation. According to Haque, the current treatment of the former Prime Minister is both unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental human rights. Previously, former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mashud also called for ensuring proper medical treatment, dignity, and support for the imprisoned leader.
