Govt pledges Shakib's safety as he is set to return for his final Test

Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan is set to return home to play his final Test match in Mirpur, starting 21 October, amid growing protests against him.

Concerns about his safety also linger due to his connection with the previous government which was ousted by an unprecedented student-citizen movement in August.

On the issue, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud today (13 October) said he sees no obstacles to Shakib returning and participating in his last Test match against South Africa.

"He is a cricketer, he will play, and he is a citizen of Bangladesh. I don't see any obstacles to his homecoming. The responsibility of the state is to ensure the safety of every citizen, including the cricket team. We will ensure that," he said at a press conference in Mirpur following a visit to the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, reports UNB.

His comments came as protesting students in Mirpur burned jerseys of both Shakib and former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Both were members of parliament under Sheikh Hasina's government.

The protesters said they do not want Shakib to wear Bangladesh's jersey again, citing his "association with the fascist government".

Shakib had recently expressed his desire to play his final Test in Mirpur against South Africa and also sought assurances regarding his security. Additionally, the experienced all-rounder requested guarantees for his safe arrival and departure from the country.

So can Shakib leave?

On Shakib leaving the country after the match, the sports adviser said, "I don't think there is any problem for him to come or go out of the country," reports BSS.

"But I can't tell you about the legal aspect. That's in the jurisdiction of the law ministry and they only can explain the legal aspect," he added – a comment similar to what he had told the media in an earlier statement.

The sports adviser said they have already discussed Shakib's matter with the law adviser.

"If his [Shakib's] involvement is not found in the preliminary investigation, his name will be dropped from the case. That's what Asif Nazrul Sir told us," he said.

Shakib's name has been linked to a murder case involving the killing of a garment worker during an anti-discrimination student protest. 

Shakib, who remained silent during the July uprising, has recently made an apology to the countrymen in a long facebook post. In his apology, Shakib clarified that he participated in the election "for the progress of his hometown Magura" and was an MP only for a "brief period."

He also urged the people to come to bid him a Test farewell. But despite his apology, protests are going on against him.

Recent protests

Recently, some people gathered at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium to protest against Shakib returning to the country and vented their anger through graffiti on the stadium walls.

Asif Mahmud described this anger as an "expression of emotion."

"I understand there are strong emotions involved, as there was a large movement, and Shakib Al Hasan was linked with the previous fascist government. He has clarified his position in his post. However, some emotions still remain, whether justified or not, I won't get into that debate," he added.

"They [protesters] have the right to express such sentiments. This is a democratic country, and people have constitutional rights to movements or any form of expression. However, I would like to emphasise that nobody's security should be compromised," he further said.

Urging everyone to respect the law, the sports advisor said, "If there are any legal matters, the law will run its course. However, we should remain highly respectful of security concerns. Since South Africa is coming, we must maintain a good environment, or else other countries may feel unsafe coming to play in Bangladesh."