Mehrab Hossain Opee, a notable figure in the history of Bangladesh cricket, has publicly refuted recent speculation linking him to active politics. Widely recognised for scoring Bangladesh’s first century in One Day International (ODI) cricket, Opee remains involved in the sport despite having retired from international competition several years ago. He currently serves as a selector for age-group teams under the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
In recent days, the former opening batsman became the subject of widespread discussion on social media following rumours that he was set to join the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP). The speculation led to confusion among followers and the wider public, prompting Opee to issue a clarification.
On Saturday, 2 May, the 47-year-old addressed the matter through a statement posted on his official Facebook account. In his message, he categorically denied any involvement with political organisations and stated that he has no intention of entering politics in the foreseeable future. He also urged the public not to be misled by unverified claims circulating online.
In his statement, Opee wrote: “Assalamu Alaikum. I am former national team cricketer Mehrab Hossain Opee. At present, I am not associated with any political party and I am not joining any political party.” This direct clarification effectively brought an end to several days of speculation regarding his alleged political engagement.
Opee’s cricketing career began with his international debut for Bangladesh national cricket team in 1998. He entered the record books in 1999 during a tri-nation series at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, where he scored 101 runs against Zimbabwe. That innings marked the first ODI century by a Bangladeshi player, a milestone in the country’s cricketing development.
Over the course of his international career, Opee represented Bangladesh in both Test and ODI formats. His appearances and key achievements are summarised below:
| Format | Matches Played | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 9 | Represented Bangladesh as an opening batsman |
| ODI | 18 | Scored Bangladesh’s first ODI century (101 runs) |
Following his retirement from international cricket, Opee transitioned into roles related to player development and selection. His current position within the BCB involves identifying and nurturing young talent at the age-group level, contributing to the long-term growth of Bangladesh cricket.
His recent statement has clarified his position unequivocally, confirming that his professional focus remains within the sporting domain and that he is not pursuing a role in politics.