Shakib Al Hasan Seeks Security Guarantees to Return to Bangladesh for Legal Proceedings
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Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his desire to return to Bangladesh to play his farewell series, provided the government offers him formal security guarantees. Speaking to Reuters while in Sri Lanka for a franchise cricket tournament, the former lawmaker stated he is prepared to face the legal proceedings currently pending against him.
Shakib, who served as a member of parliament for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, is currently residing in Long Island, New York, with his wife and three children following the collapse of the Hasina government during the July mass uprising. The cricketer insisted that he has committed no crimes and is willing to comply with all necessary legal requirements if his safety is assured.
However, the current administration has signaled that it will not facilitate his return. State Minister for Youth and Sports Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain—referred to as Aminul Haque in reports—stated that the government no longer views his return as a matter of negotiation. The minister indicated that the government had initially taken a flexible stance, but that window has closed. He emphasized that if Shakib returns, he must do so through the established legal system and face the consequences of his political affiliations.
The government’s position was further clarified by the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Abu Abdullah M. Saleh. He stated that the administration has no role in reconciling the public’s sentiment toward the cricketer. Saleh reiterated that under Bangladeshi law, Shakib is considered an accused individual and must surrender to the courts to face trial, regardless of his status or professional background.
Regarding his political associations, Shakib suggested he would follow the lead of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, noting that he had always followed her guidance. He recently participated in a virtual press conference held by Hasina in Delhi, asserting that his involvement was intended only to call for peace and national progress, and that he has no regrets.
Prior to his comments to Reuters, Shakib had attempted to contest the cases filed against him—which he describes as fabricated—by sending letters through a lawyer to the ministries of home, law, and sports, as well as to the police. He reported receiving no response to these petitions.
While Shakib expressed an interest in discussing his return with Tarique Rahman, spokespersons for the opposition leader have characterized the cricketer as facing the consequences of his membership in a “fallen, defeated, and fugitive fascist government.”
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