The exiled Bangladeshi cricket star and former Awami League politician says he is prepared to face trial on murder and corruption charges if the government ensures his protection, while maintaining his loyalty to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's renowned cricket captain, has indicated his readiness to return from his two-year exile in the United States to face criminal proceedings, provided the government offers security assurances. The 39-year-old has been living abroad since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration fell following a student-led uprising in August 2024. Speaking to Reuters from Sri Lanka, where he is competing in franchise cricket, Shakib stated that he would accept trial proceedings and cooperate with authorities if granted protection.
Shakib faces two active cases: allegations related to the death of a protester during the 2024 uprising and charges brought by anticorruption authorities. He has characterized the murder case as unfounded, noting it was filed on a day when he was playing cricket in Toronto. The former captain maintains his innocence and expressed frustration that his bank accounts have been frozen for eighteen months pending investigation. He has previously attempted to return to Bangladesh but was turned back mid-journey in late 2024 after receiving conflicting assurances from government officials.
The cricketer's situation underscores the broader political fallout from Hasina's ouster, which has left numerous allied figures facing charges and unable to return home. Shakib has refused suggestions to distance himself from Hasina and the Awami League, stating there is no possibility of doing so. He indicated he would prefer to return immediately but would consider accompanying Hasina, who has announced plans to return in December despite being sentenced to death in absentia. Following his virtual appearance at a Delhi news conference with Hasina, Shakib's unoccupied house in Bangladesh was attacked.
Regarding his cricket career, Shakib expressed reluctance to delay retirement indefinitely. Though he continues to perform well in franchise leagues and harbors aspirations of playing in the 2027 Cricket World Cup, he acknowledged that age limits how long he can remain active. He has been separated from his parents for two years, who remain in Bangladesh but have been prohibited from leaving the country.
