Shakib Al Hasan Ready for Bangladesh Return, Asks for Security Guarantee
Former cricketer and politician Shakib Al Hasan has stated his desire to return to Bangladesh. He is currently living in Long Island, New York, with his family. However, Shakib has asked for a security guarantee from the government before he comes back.
Shakib Al Hasan told Reuters on Friday that he would return if his safety is assured. He wants to legally face all cases against him. This includes a murder case. He also hopes to play a farewell cricket series.
The former Member of Parliament believes he has not committed any crime. He wants to return home immediately. If that is not possible, he will try to return with Sheikh Hasina. Shakib said he follows what the “captain” (referring to Sheikh Hasina) says. Last Wednesday, Shakib joined Sheikh Hasina’s virtual press conference from Delhi. He said he called for peace and Bangladesh’s progress. He has no regrets about this. Shakib previously sent letters to ministries about cases he calls “fabricated.” He requested they be withdrawn but received no reply.
State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, spoke about Shakib’s return yesterday. He said Shakib Al Hasan can no longer return through normal means. This is because of his political position. The minister added that they had been lenient before. But now, Shakib must follow legal procedures to come back.
The minister mentioned that Shakib “taken to the stage of the autocrat.” This means he has no special chance to return. As a player, things were different. But now, he must follow the law.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s press secretary, Abu Abdullah M. Saleh, also commented. He told Reuters that the current government cannot help Shakib Al Hasan regain public trust. He said Bangladesh’s laws apply to everyone equally. Shakib Al Hasan is an “accused person” in the eyes of the law. He must surrender to a court in Bangladesh to face justice. Reuters reported a spokesperson for Tarique Rahman said Shakib faces consequences. These are for being part of a “fallen, defeated and fugitive fascist government.”
Shakib Al Hasan was an Awami League Member of Parliament. He served under Sheikh Hasina’s government. He has been living in New York since Sheikh Hasina’s government fell in July. This happened after a mass uprising. Shakib spoke to Reuters by phone from Sri Lanka. He was there playing franchise cricket.
