Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has said he wants to return to Bangladesh and is prepared to face the legal cases against him if the government guarantees his security.
In an interview with Reuters, Shakib said he remains hopeful of returning home, playing a farewell match on Bangladeshi soil and continuing his international career if possible.
“If the government guarantees my security, I am ready to return to the country and face the court proceedings and whatever else is necessary,” Shakib said.
Shakib has been living in the United States since the fall of the Awami League government following the July-August 2024 mass uprising. He was also a member of parliament at the time.
The 39-year-old all-rounder had hoped to return to Bangladesh in October 2024 to play his farewell Test but was unable to do so because of security concerns. He reached Dubai before eventually turning back.
Shakib has not formally retired from international cricket and still hopes to play a farewell series at home. He also wants to represent Bangladesh at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Following the fall of the Awami League government, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India, where she has remained since then. She has also spoken of returning to Bangladesh and facing the legal process.
Asked about the possibility of returning home with Hasina, Shakib said that if he cannot return immediately, he would try to return alongside her.
“The leader says something, and we follow that. I believe they will make the right decisions, and we will follow their instructions,” he said.
Shakib also said he has no regrets about taking part in a recent virtual press conference involving Sheikh Hasina in Delhi. According to him, his message during the event was focused only on peace and the progress of Bangladesh.
