Bangladeshi cricketer Tanzim Hasan Sakib has issued an apology following the backlash over his misogynistic social media posts. While he expressed regret for his comments, he maintained that he is not a misogynist because he cited that “his mother is a woman,” as conveyed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib made a significant impact in the cricket world recently when he dismissed India captain Rohit Sharma with just his fourth international delivery during the Asia Cup encounter between the two neighboring teams. His remarkable performance contributed to Bangladesh’s victory.

Despite his cricketing success, Tanzim Hasan faced criticism from women’s rights activists and feminists who uncovered his past social media posts. The posts, dating back to last year, targeted working women and those who associated with male friends at a university. In one post, Tanzim wrote, “If the wife works, her elegance is damaged. If the wife works, the family is ruined. If the wife works, the veil is ruined. If the wife works, society is ruined.”

It’s worth noting that the majority of Bangladesh’s workforce in the garment factories, which have played a significant role in the country’s economic growth, comprises women. However, traditional patriarchal beliefs still persist in this predominantly Muslim nation.

Tanzim’s comments elicited a strong response, with feminist writer Jannatun Nayeem Prity based in Paris emphasizing that many of the Bangladesh team’s jerseys are manufactured in factories primarily staffed by women. She expressed her disappointment, stating, “I feel sorry for you that you don’t consider your mother a normal human being.”

Tanzim Hasan Sakib, a promising Bangladeshi cricketer, faced intense controversy on Monday due to his misogynistic social media posts, just days after a spectacular international debut. In the recent Asia Cup match against India, Sakib made an exceptional mark by taking India’s captain, Rohit Sharma’s wicket with only his fourth delivery. He also maintained his composure in the final over, leading Bangladesh to a thrilling victory.

However, the admiration showered on the 20-year-old cricketer quickly turned into outrage as women’s rights activists and feminists condemned his misogynistic remarks found on his social media profiles. In a Facebook post from the previous year, Tanzim Hasan Sakib stated, “If the wife works, the husband’s rights are not ensured.” He continued, “If the wife works, the child’s rights are not ensured. If the wife works, her elegance is damaged. If the wife works, the family is ruined. If the wife works, the veil is ruined. If the wife works, society is ruined.”

Despite the significant role played by women, who make up the majority of the workforce in Bangladesh’s garment factories, which have fueled the country’s economic growth, traditional patriarchal attitudes still prevail in this predominantly Muslim nation.

Tanzim’s comments led to an immediate backlash. Paris-based feminist writer Jannatun Nayeem Prity pointed out that the jerseys worn by the Bangladesh cricket team are primarily produced by female factory workers. Writer Swakrito Noman criticized the comments as “deeply offensive” in a widely-shared Facebook post, demanding that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) investigate Tanzim and insist on an apology. Journalist Mejbaul Haque emphasized that such a distorted form of misogyny is unacceptable, irrespective of the player’s star status.

Young pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s journey to join the Bangladesh cricket team for the Asia Cup campaign has begun as he boarded a flight to Colombo at 1 pm today. His inclusion comes as a replacement for the injured Ebadot Hossain.

Upon reaching Colombo, Sakib is set to embark on a road trip to Pallekele, where the Bangladesh cricket team will engage in their opening game of the Asia Cup tournament on August 31 against Sri Lanka.

Although originally scheduled to travel with the team on Sunday, Sakib’s journey was momentarily halted due to ticketing complications. However, the issues have been resolved, allowing him to join his teammates in Colombo.

Liton Das, who missed the initial flight on Sunday due to a fever, is still in the recovery process. His participation in the tournament remains uncertain.

If Liton’s health improves, there is a possibility that he might take a flight to Sri Lanka on Tuesday. However, even if he manages to travel on Tuesday, it is unlikely that he will be fit to participate in the team’s first game.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s medical department has reported that Liton tested negative for Dengue and other medical assessments have shown positive results. The expectation is that Liton’s recovery will progress within the next couple of days.