Bangladesh Minister Breaks Silence On Shakib Al Hasan’s Return

Shakib Al Hasan's return to Bangladesh hits a new roadblock [Source: X]

Amid uncertainty and safety concerns, the Bangladesh sports ministry broke its silence on the possibility of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s return to his home country. This comes after Shakib’s plea for a farewell series.

For context, Shakib fled Bangladesh in the aftermath of the 2024 student protest, which led to the exile of former PM Sheikh Hasina. The all-rounder was also an MP under Hasina’s regime, and he too faced the wrath of the agitated protesters.

Bangladesh government gives verdict on Shakib's return

Since 2024, Shakib Al Hasan hasn’t been able to return to Bangladesh due to security concerns and is currently living in exile in the USA. However, time and again, he expressed his wish to play a farewell series in front of his home crowd.

Recently, Shakib claimed that he is willing to face murder charges levelled against him and face the court if he is guaranteed security protection from the government. 

Reacting to his plea, Bangladesh Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque said Shakib Al Hasan can no longer return to the country simply as a former cricketer. 

“We were looking at the matter very flexibly and with a lot of tolerance. After this, I don't think there is any scope to think about it in that way anymore,” Haque said.

Previously, the government was apparently willing to be flexible because of Shakib's status as a prominent national player. However, Aminul now says that approach has changed because of Shakib's political involvement. 

“Someone who has appeared on the stage of an autocrat does not seem to have any opportunity to come back. As a player, that was how we were looking at it, and we were being flexible. Now there is no opportunity. If he comes, he will have to come through the legal process,” he added.

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Shakib Al Hasan’s political role sabotaging his cricket career

It’s important to note that Shakib Al Hasan was involved in Bangladeshi politics and was elected as a member of parliament representing the Awami League. He is an active supporter of ousted ex-PM Sheikh Hasina. 

Not only that, he recently attended the virtual press conference conducted by Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi to extend his support to his leader. But the current Bangladesh government appears to view his association with the previous political leadership as a serious issue. 

Hence, it won’t be wrong to say that Shakib Al Hasan’s political career has ruined his cricketing legacy. Fans no longer want to see him represent Bangladesh again and his dream of playing a farewell series appears distant now.

Details of criminal charges levelled against Shakib Al Hasan

Even if Shakib Al Hasan does return to Bangladesh in the near future, his life back home won’t be easy. Firstly, he is an accused in a murder case connected to the death of garment worker Rubel during the 2024 protests.

He was reportedly listed as accused No. 28 in the case, but Shakib has denied wrongdoing and has said the allegations are fabricated, as he was not in Bangladesh during the time of the incident.

Shakib is also one of 15 people named in a case filed by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission over alleged stock-market manipulation, fraud and money laundering.  

Amid such serious circumstances, Shakib’s safe return to Bangladesh isn’t guaranteed as he is an active criminal suspect as per law.

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