Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is ready to return to his homeland and face legal trials on charges including murder, provided that the current government guarantees his safety.
Shakib was a Member of Parliament for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League. He has spent the last two years in exile in the United States following the student-led uprising in August 2024, leading to the toppling of Hasina-led government.
At 39 years old, Shakib has not yet retired from international cricket. He explicitly noted his desire to play a farewell series on home soil and represent Bangladesh in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
His situation serves as a high-profile test for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's newly elected BNP government regarding how it treats former ruling party figures. This is especially true since Sheikh Hasina herself—who was sentenced to death in absentia—has announced plans to return to Bangladesh.
"If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that needs to be done. I know I haven't done anything," Shakib told Reuters via phone from Sri Lanka, where he is playing franchise cricket.
Shakib expressed his desire to return home, stating that he aims to travel back alongside Hasina in December 2026 if he cannot go immediately.
"Whatever the captain says, we follow her," he said. "I think they will decide it better, and we will follow the instructions given to us."
Turning to cricket, Shakib said he would not wait for too long to retire. "I am playing most of the franchise leagues. I am feeling good, still enjoying the game, playing well also," he said. "But ... age is not on my side at this moment, so I cannot wait for too long."
Shakib Al Hasan also recounted his failed late-2024 travel attempts to return home. He was told to turn back mid-journey after confirming travel from the airport lounge, forcing a diversion to Dubai and back to New York. A secondary return attempt failed after authorities flagged a social media birthday greeting he posted for Sheikh Hasina.
"I don't know what changed in 12 hours," he said, adding that the trip had been arranged over the previous 57 days.
"I don't understand how that is the criteria for not letting me into Bangladesh," he remarked.
Addressing suggestions to distance himself from the Awami League to ease his return, Shakib stated, "There is no way I will consider that".
Shakib faces an active murder case regarding a protester’s death—which he described as fabricated and "laughable"—alongside investigations into financial fraud, market manipulation, and corruption.
His bank accounts in Bangladesh have been frozen for over a year and a half pending ongoing investigations.
"When someone is the highest-taxed player for the last 10 years and paid all the taxes and everything and his account has been frozen for a year and a half for investigation," he said. "I will give you all the information you need, but if you don't find anything, just release it."
Shakib’s parents remain in Bangladesh and have been unable to leave, keeping the family apart for two years. "It's been difficult for all of us, but we are surviving," he stated.
