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Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque has taken a hard line on the possibility of former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan returning to the country, saying the government will no longer show leniency toward him.
In an interview with Reuters, Shakib said he was ready to return to Bangladesh if the government could ensure his security. He also expressed his desire to play a farewell series on home soil and take part in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since the political changeover in August 2024. The former all-rounder has recently come under renewed political scrutiny after joining a virtual press conference hosted by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.
Following his participation in the virtual event, Shakib has been accused of supporting the ousted Awami League government.
Against this backdrop, Aminul Haque said the government was no longer in a position to take a flexible approach to Shakib’s return.
“There is no opportunity now. Shakib Al Hasan has moved beyond his position as a cricketer and taken a completely political stance. I don’t think there is any opportunity for him to return to the country. And if he does return, it will have to be through the legal process,” the minister told the media.
He said the government had previously considered the matter with “flexibility and tolerance” because Shakib was viewed primarily as a cricketer.
“But after this, I don’t think there is any scope to think that way. A person who has stood on the same platform with a dictator, in my opinion, has no opportunity to return,” Aminul said.
Meanwhile, Shakib told Reuters that he wanted to speak with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman about his return to Bangladesh.
The contrasting positions underline the growing complexity surrounding Shakib’s possible return, with the issue now appearing to involve both political considerations and legal procedures.