No chance for Shakib to return to Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan has once again come into the spotlight after delivering a speech at a press conference by fugitive Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in the mass uprising on August 5, 2024. In an interview with Reuters, the cricketer said he is ready to return to Bangladesh if he is assured of security. He also said he wants to go to court and prove himself innocent through the legal process.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Mohammad Aminul Haque has responded to Shakib’s comments. In a statement on Thursday evening, he said Shakib no longer has any opportunity to return to Bangladesh through the normal process because of his political stance.

Aminul said, “We were looking at the matter very flexibly and with a great deal of tolerance. After this, I don’t think there is any scope to think about it that way anymore.”

Saying that Shakib will have to return to Bangladesh through the legal process, he said, “The one who has gone on the stage of that autocrat, I don’t think there is any opportunity for him to come back. As a player, that is how we were thinking about it, and we were flexible. There is no opportunity anymore. If he comes, then he will come through the legal process.”

Earlier, after taking charge as the state minister for sports, Aminul had said, “Shakib and Mashrafe can return to cricket after resolving the cases against them.”

However, following Shakib’s participation in Sheikh Hasina’s press conference in Delhi recently, he has moved away from that position.