A group wielding bamboo sticks attacked a march by supporters of Shakib Al Hasan as they chanted slogans in support of the Bangladesh national cricketer.

The supporters attempted to flee towards the main gate of the stadium, but law enforcers charged at them with batons as they reached the area. Chaos ensued, with people scattering, screams echoing, and sharp whistles from the army piercing the air.

The incident took place in front of Gate No. 1 at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium on Sunday while the visiting South African cricket team was practicing inside.

Pro and anti-Shakib campaigns have been ongoing in Dhaka’s Mirpur, sparked by the cricketer's desire to play a farewell Test and his subsequent inability to return home. His supporters had announced a ‘long march’ to the stadium a day before the Test was set to begin.

Security around the stadium has been heightened over the past few days. On Sunday morning, police set up barricades, blocking traffic from Mirpur-2 to the Proshika intersection and extending to the National Bangla High School area. A significant deployment of army personnel guarded the vicinity on Friday.

Shakib’s supporters gathered outside the stadium at 2 pm, but the turnout was smaller than expected for the long march.’ Hundreds of fans carried banners and chanted slogans as they marched. A large number of journalists were also present to cover the event.

Everything was happening just like the other days. At one point, the law enforcers tried to push away Shakib’s supporters from around the stadium. They drove away other people and onlookers to the nearby streets. The entire circumstances had changed suddenly after the attack on Shakib's fans.

Although the law enforcers were nearby, they played the role of mere spectators at that time.

Several journalists suffered injuries while trying to protect the assault during the incident. At one point, the attackers left the scene through an alley saying anti-Shakib slogans.

Tensions escalated as law enforcers baton-charged Shakib’s supporters, dispersing them from the scene.

Several victims later expressed their anger to the media. One, identified as Mahfuza, claimed the attack was unprovoked.

“We had been holding a peaceful campaign from the beginning. The horrific attack happened suddenly. The police did not intervene to help us. I am grateful to the journalists who saved me. We strongly condemn such attacks.”

Regarding the march against Shakib, the sports advisor stated that everyone has a constitutional right to protest and demanded an explanation for the attack on Shakib’s supporters.

The situation remained tense after the attackers left. The army attempted to disperse the remaining supporters, with additional personnel arriving in two vehicles to secure the area outside the stadium.

Both police and army officials declined to comment on the matter. However, one person was arrested near Gate No. 1.

An army officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the individual was detained for chanting anti-national slogans and because of concerns that the security of the South Africa series could be compromised. The officer added that the detainee would be released afterward.

Meanwhile, the South African team left the stadium amid the chaos shortly before 4 pm.

Shakib’s anticipated return for the farewell Test has been a divisive issue among cricket fans. Even before the Bangladesh squad was announced for the series, protests were held outside the stadium to oppose his return.

The sentiments of the protesters were visible in various graffiti and writings on the stadium walls. Reports also indicate clashes between Shakib’s supporters and detractors.