IPDC Ogroj: Roquibul Hasan reflects on his illustrious career and life

Roquibul Hasan was the distinguished guest on the thirteenth episode of IPDC Ogroj about his journey in the cricketing world, what turned him into a household name as a legend of our cricketing history and his outspoken love for his country that he showcased with bold displays of patriotism. The session was moderated by venerated banker Anis A. Khan.

Roquibul Hasan is a former cricketer and captain of Bangladesh national cricket team. His career in cricket spans decades where he showcased his talent from a very early age. When his country needed him the most, he left the cricket bat home and joined the Liberation War of our country.

Born on 1^st January, 1953, this living legend has dabbled his hand at many other professions such as being a commentator, team manager, referee and board selector. His love for the sport is always beaming, as he started the segment by talking about the current test match between Bangladesh and West Indies, which he is currently watching in Chittagong.

Talking about his inspiration that got him into cricketing at such an early age, he mainly credits his parents, especially his father for kindling the love for cricket in him.

"My father was a huge die-hard fan of cricket. Even when the team was playing abroad and the time schedule was different from ours, he used to fall asleep late at night hearing about the match in radio. My father also focused on me and my siblings getting properly educated. We used to keep both Bangla and English newspapers in our home. I used to cut out the pictures of cricketers and matches and glued them to a scrap book. Basically the love for cricket began from an early age and lit a fire in me".

At an early age of 16, he was selected to play first-class cricket and quickly rose through the ranks to find himself on the Pakistan National Team, where he was one of the first Bengalis to make it there. The journey was not so easy, as he said that the Pakistani people thought Bengalis were inferior to them and neglected giving them the proper opportunity and a platform to shine. Nevertheless, through his sheer determination and passion for the sport, he made it in.

He also talked about the political turmoil that was going on at that time. He expanded on the youth who contributed towards helping Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reclaim the basic rights of our people.

At the peak of that turmoil in 1971, he was selected to play an unofficial test match against the Commonwealth side. His gut told him that he needed to do something noteworthy to showcase the love the love for his people and their beloved country.

"I knew I had to make a bold statement as the match was happening in Dhaka, where political discourse was at a boiling point at that time. So, an idea popped into my head that I would apply a sticker to my bat that would say "Joy Bangla". Sheikh Kamal was a dear friend of mine at that time and he was the one who applied the tape to my bat. When I was walking out to crease to bat, the cameraman saw my bat and got a sense of what I was trying to do. They told me the angles and where they could showcase the sticker. It took the crowd 2-3 minutes to figure out what the sticker said, they erupted into shouts of "Joy Bangla" when they realized what it is. It was an absolute surreal moment, where I thought I contributed at least a little bit towards the people of our country rising up and fighting for their rights."

He remembered the times of the Liberation War, and said that from his point of view, it was the people's war. Everyone who contributed to the war, even if they just fed a freedom fighter, even if they sang or read poetry on the Swadhin Bangla Betar, even the smallest of contribution makes someone a freedom fighter who fought to gain their independence.

He also reflected on his time as the captain of the national team and talked in-depth about why he retired rather early from his international career.

"I always thought that it was always good to quit before you get kicked", he said jovially.

Nevertheless, he continued being a domestic player till the 90's. He also worked as the host tournament director for the 2004 U-19 event in Bangladesh. He was also given the national distinction of being a quintessential figure in our cricketing history.

The segment wrapped up with him imploring the youth of our nation to be more diligent, disciplined, and goal-centric through their love for their country and to represent the patriotism wherever they go.

"Our time is almost up. It's time to pass on the baton to the new generation in this relay race of life. They need to keep building themselves up and move forward with reignited vigor, passion and charisma. So, tighten your belt, stay focused and have faith and love towards your country."

A biopic about his distinguished life, career and courage to stand up against oppression is in the works at the moment.

IPDC Finance Ltd presents Ogroj takes place every first and third Thursday of the month from 8pm-9pm. Guests on previous episodes include ex-Finance Secretary Matiul Islam, CPD Founder-Chairperson Prof Rehman Sobhan, Adcomm Limited Chairperson Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury, ex-Finance Minister AMA Muhith, ex-Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Farashuddin Ahmed, ACI Limited Chairperson M Anis Ud Dowla, novelist Selina Hossain, ex-Finance Minister M Syeduzzaman, MediaWorld Limited Chairperson Rokia Afzal Rahman, composer Shujeyo Shyam, and dramatist Ramendu Majumdar.