Shakib's request for security assurances is unreasonable, says Sports Advisor

Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from Test cricket, expressing his desire to play his final Test match at home against South Africa next month.

However, the experienced all-rounder has asked for security assurances before returning to the country. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, has not responded to his request. BCB President Faruque Ahmed stated that the board will not take responsibility for Shakib's security.

Interim government Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has now addressed the issue. He mentioned that Shakib's request for security due to the public anger against him, stemming from his role as a member of parliament (MP) for the 'fascist government,' is unreasonable. He also urged Shakib to clarify his political stance. According to the sports adviser, while providing security for cricketer Shakib is possible, assuring safety against public resentment is not.

Speaking at a press conference in the Ministry of Labour's conference room on Sunday, Asif Mahmud stated, "We can ensure appropriate security for Shakib the cricketer, but it is unreasonable to expect guarantees of security against the anger generated due to his role as an MP for the fascist government."

Shakib has been playing for the national team for a long time and, in January, he was elected as an MP for Magura-1 under the banner of the Awami League. Asif Mahmud noted that Shakib's dual identity as both a cricketer and a politician has resulted in mixed public reactions. "We need to remember that Shakib Al Hasan has two identities – one as a cricketer and another as a politician. He ran for election as an MP under the Awami League banner, and people have mixed reactions regarding these two identities."

Urging Shakib to clarify his political position, the sports adviser said, "As a cricketer, we will provide him with the necessary security when he returns to the country. But if there is public resentment due to his political identity, then… let's say I have five constables and a gunman for my security. If ten crore out of the country's sixteen crore people are angry at me, how can these five or six individuals provide security? In that case, I won't be safe either."

"If there is public resentment, it must be reduced through dialogue. In my opinion, he needs to clarify his stance on the political front. He must address his political identity. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has already spoken on this matter. If there is a public security risk, no one can provide guarantees for safety. Even Sheikh Hasina couldn't be secured, and she had to flee the country. This is why I believe that his political position needs to be clarified. It is our duty to ensure the safety of every player, and we will fulfil that responsibility," Asif Mahmud added.

Shakib previously mentioned that, while he wants to play his final Test at home, he wants security assurances for both when he returns to play and when he leaves the country. He said, "I want to come and play and feel safe. When the time comes to leave the country, I want to be able to do so without any issues. The board is monitoring the situation. Those involved are handling it, and they will likely give me a decision. Based on that, I can return to the country and retire from the Test format properly."

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."

Shakib has spent a considerable amount of time abroad. After playing in the T20 World Cup, the left-handed all-rounder returned to Bangladesh briefly before heading to the United States, where he played in Major League Cricket (MLC). Following that, he captained the Mississauga Bangla Tigers in the Global T20 in Canada and later played in the Test series in Pakistan. After that series, he played one match for Surrey in the County Championship in England before joining the Bangladesh team in India.