Shakib Al Hasan Ready To Face Murder Charges. Image Credits: AFP
After two years of exile, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is ready to return to his homeland and face murder and corruption charges levelled against him during the infamous 2024 anti-government protests. However, his return comes with terms and conditions.
Shakib, also an MP from Awami League, had to flee the country after the Sheikh Hasina government was overthrown after student-led protests hit the streets back in August 2024.
The cricketer was accused in connection with the death of a protester, and murder charges were pressed against him. Since then, Shakib hasn’t returned to Bangladesh and is currently seeking shelter in the USA.
Shakib Al Hasan willing to return to Bangladesh
However, in a recent interview with Reuters, Shakib Al Hasan broke his silence on the controversy. He expressed his willingness to return to Bangladesh only if the government ensures his safety.
"If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that's needed to be done. I know I haven't done anything,” Shakib said.
Shakib said he is ready to return home, surrender before the courts, and contest the charges. Not only that, but the veteran all-rounder also insists on playing a farewell international series in Bangladesh before retiring, as age is not on his side.
"I am feeling good, still enjoying the game, playing well also. But ... age is not on my side at this moment, so I cannot wait for too long," he added.
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Shakib’s homecoming was once stopped
Interestingly, Shakib Al Hasan claims that he did make an attempt to return to Bangladesh in late 2024 after the protests had died down and he was told he would receive security upon touchdown.
However, while he was on the flight, Shakib says he was informed that he should not come back and instead landed in Dubai before returning to New York. A later attempt allegedly failed after he posted a birthday message for former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, which authorities cited as a reason for refusing his return.
Hence, while the BCB have kept the doors open for his return, Shakib is waiting for the right opportunity to take a flight back home. His farewell is still pending, but political turmoil in Bangladesh refuses to die down anytime soon.
Is it safe for Shakib Al Hasan to visit Bangladesh?
Presently, the political turmoil in Bangladesh remains volatile. Shakib Al Hasan recently joined former PM Sheikh Hasina’s virtual press conference that she conducted from New Delhi to show his support to the ousted leader.
However, people of Bangladesh didn’t take this well. Hours after the press conference, Shakib Al Hasan’s house was vandalised with petrol bombs. Luckily, there were no casualties as the house was empty at the time of the incident.
But under such volatile circumstances, it’s nearly impossible for Shakib to return to Bangladesh anytime soon. The new government also appears hesitant to provide security to the all-rounder. Hence, for now, a homecoming appears a distinct possibility for Shakib.
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