Key facts
- Shakib Al Hasan, an ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is willing to return to Bangladesh.
- He is prepared to face trial, including murder charges, if his security is guaranteed.
- Shakib aims to play a farewell cricket series and participate in the 2027 World Cup.
- He has been in exile in the United States since Hasina's government was overthrown in August 2024.
- Shakib's house in Bangladesh was attacked after he appeared at a press conference with Hasina.
Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan, a political ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has stated his readiness to return to Bangladesh from a two-year exile in the United States. He is willing to face trial, including charges of murder, provided the current government guarantees his safety. Shakib, who has not officially retired from international cricket, expressed a desire to play a farewell series at home and potentially represent Bangladesh in the 2027 one-day World Cup.
Hasina's government was overthrown in August 2024 following a significant student-led uprising. Since then, many of her allies, including Shakib, have faced criminal charges and have been unable to return to Bangladesh. Shakib, a former lawmaker for Hasina's Awami League party, has been living in the U.S. with his family. He told Reuters that he has not committed any wrongdoing and is seeking clearance from the government to ensure his security before returning.
Shakib defended his participation in a press conference with Hasina in Delhi, stating his call was for peace and Bangladesh's progress. He noted that his unoccupied house in Bangladesh was attacked after the event. He also revealed that attempts to return in late 2024 were thwarted, with one plan being canceled mid-flight after assurances of security were given, and another being blocked after he posted a birthday message for Hasina on social media.
He has written to various Bangladeshi ministries and police seeking to have what he described as fabricated charges dropped, but has received no response. Shakib is keen to speak with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman about his return. He faces two active cases: one related to the alleged killing of a protester during the uprising and another from anti-corruption authorities. His bank accounts have also been frozen for 18 months. Shakib also expressed his difficulty in not seeing his parents, who remain in Bangladesh but are not permitted to leave.