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The Bangladesh government has announced that it will provide cricket star Shakib Al Hasan with the security typically accorded to national athletes when he returns to Dhaka. However, this assurance comes with a significant condition: Shakib must clarify his political standpoint amid rising public discontent following recent political upheavals in the country.
Context of the Situation
Shakib, a former member of parliament, has seen his popularity wane after remaining silent during student-led protests that erupted in July and August, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The protests were part of a larger movement that led to the overthrow of the Awami League government, which Shakib was affiliated with.
During a press conference in Kanpur—his first since the T20 World Cup in June—Shakib avoided questions about the political changes in Bangladesh. Instead, he announced that the upcoming Test match against South Africa would be his last, contingent upon assurances of safety from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) or the government.
Security Concerns Raised
Asif Mahmud, Bangladesh’s sports adviser, emphasized that while the state is obligated to provide security to all citizens, Shakib’s dual identity as both a cricketer and a politician complicates matters. He stated:
“The public could be angry at him for his political identity. If half the country’s population is angry at me, then the five or six security persons I have won’t be enough to protect me.”
Mahmud urged Shakib to use his platform to address public concerns and clarify his political stance. He noted that other former athletes, like Mashrafe Mortaza, have also faced similar scrutiny and have spoken out about their situations.
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Legal Challenges and Public Sentiment
Adding to Shakib’s troubles, he has been named in a murder case connected to the protests. However, Mahmud reassured that being named does not automatically imply guilt or arrest, referencing statements from law adviser Asif Nazrul, who indicated that names can be removed from cases if individuals are not complicit.
Despite these assurances, Shakib’s situation remains precarious. His decision to stay away from Bangladesh since the protests and his direct connection with the national team in Pakistan and India have only fueled speculation about his future in both cricket and politics.
Future Plans
Shakib is reportedly planning to return to the United States, where his family resides, after completing the Kanpur Test. He has opted out of participating in the upcoming T20I series against India starting on October 6 and has announced his retirement from T20 internationals.
This complex interplay of sports and politics continues to unfold as Shakib navigates his dual roles. The coming weeks will be crucial for him as he seeks to balance public sentiment with personal safety while considering his future as a cricketer and a political figure in Bangladesh.
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