Tanzim Hasan Sakib, a Bangladeshi cricketer, has found himself in hot water after misogynistic social media posts came to light, sparking controversy just days after his brilliant international debut. Sakib made a significant impact on his international debut by dismissing India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, with only his fourth delivery in the Asia Cup match, eventually securing victory for Bangladesh.

However, the admiration he received for his cricketing skills turned into criticism from women’s rights activists and feminists due to his misogynistic posts on social media. In one of his Facebook posts from last year, Tanzim wrote, “If the wife works, the husband’s rights are not ensured. 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.”

ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Gears Up for Local One-Day Tournament Ahead of ODI Return

These posts were met with backlash, especially in a country where women form the majority of the workforce in garment factories, a sector that has significantly contributed to Bangladesh’s economic growth. Nevertheless, conservative patriarchal attitudes persist in the predominantly Muslim nation.

One of Tanzim Sakib’s posts which is under the radar. pic.twitter.com/c58cZtCSLm

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 18, 2023

In another post, Tanzim cautioned men that their sons would not have a “modest” mother if they married “a woman who is accustomed to free mixing with her male friends in a university.” Critics pointed out the irony that the Bangladesh cricket team’s jerseys are produced in factories predominantly staffed by women.

Feminist writer Jannatun Nayeem Prity, based in Paris, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I feel sorry for you that you don’t consider your mother a normal human being.” Writer Swakrito Noman described the comments as “deeply offensive” in a widely-shared Facebook post and called on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to question Tanzim and demand an apology.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma reveals the decision to rest Kuldeep Yadav

The BCB has responded by initiating an investigation into the matter. Jalal Yunus, the Chief of Cricket Operations for the BCB, stated, “The issue came to our attention. We are looking into the matter.” Tanzim, who played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup victory in 2020, has featured in 12 first-class matches during his relatively short senior career.