Shakib's close shave

The sports fraternity was shaken by the news yesterday morning that Shakib Al Hasan narrowly escaped a tragic incident when a chopper of Meghna Aviation Limited, that dropped off the Bangladesh all-rounder moments earlier, crashed in Ukhia upazila of Cox's Bazar.

The helicopter that took the star Bangladesh cricketer to Cox's Bazar to shoot a commercial crashed on its return journey, leaving one -- 32-year-old Ogilvy Bangladesh accountant Shah Alam -- dead and four others injured.

People from all walks of life expressed gratitude to the Almighty for the safety of the champion all-rounder and his teammate and Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim was one of them

“All thanks to Almighty Allah.. this is what happens when you have blessings of 170 million people... just happy to hear Shakib is safe and sound. But, may Allah grant Jannah to the person who lost his life. Let's pray for the departed soul,” wrote Mushfiqur on his Facebook page.

Shakib's father, Mashrur Reza, told our Magura correspondent: “Shakib returned to Dhaka from Magura on Friday after Eid. He went to Cox's Bazar today where his helicopter crashed while it was on its way back. Allah saved my son's life as the countrymen's blessings were with him. A milad mehfil was held at Magura's Judge Court Mosque after Jummah prayers to pray for him.

“After the incident I talked with him over phone. He is fine and will return today,” he added.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media manager Rabeed Imam earlier told The Daily Star that Shakib confirmed his safety and wellbeing.

“I am fine, but feel rather shocked at the news of the chopper crash,” the all-rounder told the BCB media manager.

Shakib flew to Tulip Sea Pearl Beach Resort for a television commercial shoot. After Shakib landed at his destination at 9:30am, the chopper took off with five passengers including its pilot and crashed around 9:45am in Redu Khal area near Inani sea-beach.