Shakib Al Hasan’s hopes of returning to Bangladesh have suffered a fresh blow after State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque took a firm stance on the former national captain.
Shakib recently said he was ready to return home if the government could ensure his safety. He also said he was willing to face the legal process and wanted to play his farewell series in Bangladesh.
However, Aminul said the government was no longer willing to show the same flexibility towards Shakib.
“There is no chance anymore. Shakib Al Hasan has moved away from his position as a cricketer and taken a completely political position. I do not think there is any chance for him to return to the country anymore. Even if he does return, it will have to be through the legal process,” Aminul said to The Stadium.
Shakib has remained outside Bangladesh since the political change in the country in August 2024.
He recently appeared at a virtual press conference involving Awami League president Sheikh Hasina. His appearance once again brought his political role into focus.
Shakib spoke about his possible return in a recent interview with Reuters. He said he would feel comfortable coming back if the government guaranteed his safety.
He also said he was ready to face any legal process, including court proceedings. Shakib maintained that he had done nothing wrong.
During the interim government’s time in office, Shakib said his lawyer had contacted several government bodies. These included the home, law and sports ministries.
According to Shakib, they asked the authorities to withdraw the cases against him, which he described as “false.” He said there was no response to those requests.
Shakib also said he wants to speak with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman about returning to Bangladesh.
But Aminul’s latest comments have raised fresh doubts over that possibility. For now, Shakib’s hopes of returning home and ending his international career in Bangladesh remain uncertain.
