Shakib will get security if he returns to Bangladesh: Adviser

Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has said cricketer and former lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan will receive government security if he returns to the country and will be allowed to face any allegations through the legal system.

The adviser made the remarks at a government press briefing in Dhaka on Tuesday while responding to questions about Shakib’s possible return and his political ties with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Zahed Ur Rahman, however, strongly criticised Shakib for his association with Hasina and her Awami League government.

“He may be a good player. He is a rotten person who aligned himself with Hasina and remains aligned with her,” he said.

Shakib, one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers, entered politics with the Awami League and won a parliamentary seat in the January 2024 election. The election faced allegations of widespread irregularities.

Following the fall of Hasina’s government after a student-led uprising in August 2024, Shakib was among former lawmakers and officials linked to the previous administration who came under scrutiny.

The United Nations has said at least 1,400 people were killed during the protests in July and August 2024.

Despite the criticism, the adviser said Shakib would be able to return safely and face any allegations through the courts.

Rahman also made similar assurances about Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. 

He said she would receive full security and have her legal and constitutional rights protected if she returns to Bangladesh.

Hasina recently said in an interview that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December.

“We will ensure her rights, and she will face the judicial process,” the adviser said. “Whatever decision the court makes will have to be accepted.”

He added that the government would protect the civil and constitutional rights of anyone accused of serious crimes, including Shakib and Hasina, while allowing the legal process to take its course.