Bangladesh cricket’s Shakib, a Hasina ally, will face trial if he is safe

Bangladeshi cricket star Shakib Al Hasan, a key supporter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has expressed his readiness to return from his two-year exile in the United States. Shakib, who has been living in Sri Lanka, is willing to face trial on charges that include murder and potentially represent his country in a farewell series and the 2027 Cricket World Cup if the Bangladeshi government guarantees his safety.

The former Awami League politician's return would test Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government on how it will treat figures from Hasina's previous administration. Hasina, currently in India, has announced her intention to return to Bangladesh voluntarily in December, despite being sentenced to death in absentia for her role in the crackdown on protests that resulted in around 1,400 deaths.

Shakib, who still hopes to play international cricket, stated that he would not wait long to retire, acknowledging that age is a concern. He had previously returned to Bangladesh on assurances of security but was barred from re-entry after posting a birthday message for Hasina on social media, which authorities cited as the reason for his exclusion.

Shakib has denied suggestions that distancing himself from Hasina and the Awami League could facilitate his return and has stated that he will not alter his political allegiance. The former cricketer's case highlights the broader ramifications of Hasina's ouster, with numerous of her allies facing criminal charges and being unable to return to Bangladesh.