Shakib Al Hasan Ready to Return Home Amid Legal Challenges
Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan, once a strong ally of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has expressed his willingness to return to Bangladesh after spending two years abroad. He has stated that he is prepared to face trial on serious accusations, including murder, if the current government ensures his safety.
Shakib, who is 39 years old and has not officially retired from international cricket, has been living in exile in the United States since Hasina’s government was overthrown in a student-led uprising in August 2024. Despite these challenges, he still dreams of playing a farewell series in Bangladesh and representing his country in the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup.
The situation surrounding Shakib underscores the broader impacts of Hasina’s removal, which has led many of her supporters to face criminal charges and fear for their safety if they return home. Shakib’s potential return could indicate how Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government might treat former members of the ousted ruling party, especially since Hasina has announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December, despite her being sentenced to death in absentia.
“If I get assurance from the government regarding my safety, I’m ready to go back, face the court procedures, and do anything required,” Shakib said in a phone interview from Sri Lanka, where he is currently engaged in franchise cricket.
He asserted, “I know I’ve done nothing wrong,” as he provided insight into his life during the past two years in exile.
The former captain’s comments followed the announcement of Hasina, who has been staying in India, that she would take a voluntary return to Bangladesh. Shakib expressed his desire to come back home soon, mentioning that he would prefer to return alongside Hasina.
“We all follow our captain,” he remarked, emphasizing his loyalty to her. Shakib defended his recent involvement in a press conference where he appeared virtually alongside Hasina, claiming that he only called for peace and progress in Bangladesh.
He mentioned that he had previously reached out to various government ministries concerning what he called false charges against him, yet he did not receive any response. Shakib also expressed eagerness to discuss his return with Prime Minister Rahman.
Cricket remains a priority for Shakib. He stated he wouldn’t delay retirement for too long even though he’s enjoying the game and performing well. “But age is not in my favor, so I can’t wait too much longer,” he added.
Reflecting on a past attempt to return home, Shakib recalled an instance in late 2024 when he was assured security by the interim government. However, he was turned back mid-journey and had to return to New York, where he lives with his wife and three children. “It’s puzzling how things changed in just 12 hours,” he commented.
Plans for a different return also fell through after he wished Hasina a happy birthday on social media, a move that authorities reportedly used as a reason to bar him from entering the country. He rejected advice from past officials suggesting that distancing himself from Hasina and the Awami League could ease his safe return.
As of now, Shakib faces two active legal cases against him: one related to the alleged killing of a protester during the uprising and another regarding corruption. He described the murder allegations as unfounded, explaining that they were made while he was playing a match in Toronto.
Moreover, his bank accounts have been frozen for over a year pending an investigation, which he stated has been particularly troubling given his status as one of the highest-taxed athletes in the country.
“It’s been tough not seeing my parents for two whole years,” he said, referring to his family who remain in Bangladesh. “We are managing to get through it.”
As Shakib navigates this complex landscape, his hopes for a return to cricket and reunification with his family remain strong.
