'Make His Position Clear': Shakib Al Hasan Urged to Clear Political Stance Amid Security Concerns Prior to Retirement Test

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been urged to clear his political views before returning to his country after the ongoing Test series against India. Shakib has already decided to draw curtains on his decorated Test career.

He wants to play his last Test against South Africa in front of the home crowd in Dhaka. Many people in Bangladesh have been furious with Shakib since he was named in an FIR in a murder case.

The veteran cricketer has appealed to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about making a proper security arrangement so that he can safely return to the country.

Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud feels Shakib Al Hasan must bring out a statement clearing his political standpoint to regain the love of his fellow countrymen. According to Mahmud, Bangladesh cricket fans should not have any issue with “cricketer” Shakib.

“The 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,” Asif Mahmud said during a briefing at the law ministry, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Asif Mahmud also assured that the BCB would try its best to ensure the security of Shakib as a cricketer. “This is our responsibility and we will give him that if he comes to the country. But if the general people are outraged towards him because of his political identity,” he said.

“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? Hence, if 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,” Asif Mahmud added.

If the situation does not change in Bangladesh and Shakib Al Hasan fails to return, the Kanpur Test against India may very well turn out to be his last assignment in his red-ball career. Since his debut in 2007, the 37-year-old has bagged 4,600 runs and 242 wickets in 70 Test appearances.