Asif seeks clarification from Shakib on political stance
Staff Reporter :
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, expressing his desire to play his final match at home against South Africa next month.
However, the star cricketer has requested security assurances before his return to Bangladesh, citing concerns over public anger related to his political role as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the ruling Awami League government.
Despite Shakib’s request, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has remained silent on the matter.
BCB President Faruque Ahmed stated that the board would not take responsibility for Shakib’s personal security, leaving the situation unresolved.
Addressing the growing controversy, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, the Interim Youth and Sports Adviser, commented on the issue during a press conference at the Ministry of Labour on Sunday.
He described Shakib’s request for special security, stemming from public resentment linked to his political affiliation, as unreasonable.
“We can ensure security for Shakib as a cricketer,” said Asif Mahmud. “But it is unrealistic to expect guarantees against public anger, especially when it’s tied to his role as an MP for a government some view as fascist.”
Shakib, who has represented the national cricket team for years, was elected in January as an MP for Magura-1 under the Awami League banner.
His dual roles as both a cricketer and politician have sparked mixed reactions among the public, creating tension around his upcoming return to the country.
Asif Mahmud highlighted the complexities of Shakib’s situation, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding his political stance. “Shakib has two identities—one as a cricketer and another as a politician.
People have differing opinions on his political involvement. It is crucial for him to address these concerns and make his political stance clear,” the adviser stated.
Asif Mahmud also stressed that while the government is committed to providing security for national athletes, ensuring safety in the face of widespread public discontent is beyond the scope of normal security measures.
“If there is public resentment, it must be addressed through dialogue. Expecting a handful of security personnel to protect against mass anger is not feasible,” he added.
Drawing a comparison to former cricketer-turned-MP Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who had previously spoken on the issue of public perception, Asif Mahmud urged Shakib to take a similar approach by clarifying his political identity.
He remarked, “Even prominent figures like Sheikh Hasina faced security challenges despite high-level protection.
If there is a significant public security risk, no one can offer absolute guarantees for safety.”
Shakib, meanwhile, reiterated his desire to retire with dignity from the Test format. “I want to come back, play my final Test, and feel safe. I also want to leave the country without any complications.
The board is monitoring the situation, and I’m awaiting their decision,” Shakib commented.
However, the BCB has refused to take responsibility for Shakib’s security.
Following a board meeting, BCB President Faruq Ahmed stated, “Security is not in our hands.
He will have to make the decision himself. The board has nothing to say on this matter.
The BCB is not in a position to provide personal security to an individual. Security issues must be addressed by the higher levels of government.
The BCB is not an agency, police, or RAB. The security matter must come from the government.”