Shakib Al Hasan was member of parliament in Sheikh Hasina's government which was toppled.
Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh all-rounder, has been advised to clear his political allegiance before asking for security if he wishes to play his final Test at home against South Africa later this year.
Shakib declared his retirement ahead of the second Test against India, stating that he wants to play his final game against South Africa in Dhaka. However, he was identified in a murder FIR and stated that he could not fly to Bangladesh unless the government assured him of his safety.
Asif Mahmud, Bangladesh Youth, and Sports Adviser responded to Shakib's request, saying that he will be given the same level of security as any other cricketer. However, he stressed that Shakib's significance as a former politician should not be overlooked.
"BCB addressed the issue and the state is bound to give security to every one of its citizens. We will obviously do this. In this case, you have to remember that Shakib Al Hasan has two identities - the cricketer and the politician. He took part in the general elections from Awami League's panel. People have mixed reactions regarding both his identities. Now, we will give Shakib, the cricketer, enough security, as much as a player receives. This is our responsibility and we will give him that if he comes to the country," Mahmud told reporters during a briefing at the law ministry, as per Cricbuzz.
Shakib Al Hasan was a member of parliament in Sheikh Hasina’s government, which was toppled in large-scale protests. Now Mohammad Yunus is heading an interim government in Bangladesh, with members of the opposition party in office.
"But if the general people are outraged towards him because of his political identity. For instance, I have five police constables and one gunman for my security, and if 100 million people out of the 160 million are angry then can they, five or six people, protect me?
Hence, if people are angry with me, then I have to reduce that with my words. I think he has to make his position clear and talk about his political standpoint," he said.
Not only Shakib, but former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who also belonged to Sheikh Hasina’s party, and had his home in Nairali set on fire, has talked about security concerns in Bangladeshi.
"Mashrafe Bin Mortaza already talked about his situation. So, if there are security risks from the people, then no one can give security to anyone. Even Sheikh Hasina could not be given that security and she had to flee. So, Shakib has to make his political stand clear," he concluded.