Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been asked to clarify his political stance before being granted security clearance to play his final Test match at home. 

Shakib Al Hasan asked to clarify political stance

The veteran cricketer recently announced his retirement and expressed a desire to play his last Test against South Africa at his preferred venue, the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made it clear that his participation depends on ensuring his safety. Shakib, who was previously a member of the Awami League government, was implicated in a murder case during a period of political unrest in Bangladesh. His silence during the student protests that led to the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina government has upset some of his supporters back home.

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Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud responded to Shakib Al Hasan’s request for security clearance to play his final Test match. Mahmud stated that Shakib would receive the same level of security as any other member of the Bangladesh cricket team. However, he emphasised that the government cannot protect Shakib from public anger stemming from his political past. Mahmud clarified that the government is responsible for ensuring the security of cricketer Shakib, but they cannot shield him from potential public outrage directed at the ‘politician’ Shakib.

“BCB addressed the issue and the state is bound to give security to each and 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 law ministry on Sunday, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“But if the general people have outrage 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? Mahmud advised Shakib to curb the public outrage by making his political stance clear. “Hence, if the 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.

“Mashrafee 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 added.

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Despite the political changes in Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan has continued to represent the national cricket team. After playing county cricket in England, he participated in Bangladesh’s historic Test series victory in Pakistan. Currently, he is in India playing Test matches. Before the second Test in Kanpur, Shakib announced his retirement from T20 cricket. He plans to retire from Test cricket after the upcoming series against South Africa. However, Shakib’s return to Bangladesh remains uncertain due to the ongoing murder case against him. While he awaits guidance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the BCB President has indicated that they would organize a farewell event for Shakib’s Test career if he returns to play against South Africa. The BCB President also clarified that they would not be responsible for Shakib’s security arrangements or facilitating his departure after the series.

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