Bangladeshi cricket star Shakib Al Hasan has indicated his willingness to return home and stand trial if the government can guarantee his personal safety. The 39-year-old has been living abroad since August 2024, when the administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown during a student-led uprising. Shakib, who held political ties to Hasina’s Awami League party, is among dozens of former government allies now facing criminal charges in Bangladesh.
The cricketer expressed hope of competing in a farewell series for his country and participating in the 2027 Cricket World Cup before retirement. Speaking from Sri Lanka, where he is currently playing franchise cricket, Shakib maintained his innocence regarding the charges against him, including accusations related to a protester’s death during the 2024 unrest. He has attempted multiple times to return but was turned back, citing changed circumstances and authorities citing a social media birthday message for Hasina as grounds for denial of entry.
Shakib’s situation reflects broader tensions following Hasina’s ouster, as the new government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman navigates how to treat former ruling party members. Hasina herself has announced plans to return voluntarily in December despite facing a death sentence. Shakib indicated he would follow any decisions made by the former prime minister, emphasizing his loyalty to Awami League leadership while rejecting suggestions to distance himself from the party as a condition for his return.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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