Shakib Al Hasan told to 'clarify political stance' before security request reviewal

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan has come under scrutiny after requesting security from authorities.

Bangladesh's sports officials have insisted that Shakib clarify his political stance before they consider his request for protection, a local news media reported

Adviser to Youth and Sports Asif Mohammad stated that the all-rounder needs to elucidate his political position before demanding security.

"The government is obligated to provide security to everyone. Shakib Al Hasan is both a cricketer and a politician; he contested elections under the Awami League banner. We will provide him with as much security as other cricketers receive," he said.

Asif Mohammad highlighted that Shakib's dual identity may complicate the situation, questioning how effective security measures would be if thousands of people were to confront him.

He cited the case of Sheikh Hasina Wazed, who received insufficient security and had to leave the country.

Shakib has not returned to the country since a government transition and being named in a murder case.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that they could not guarantee security for Shakib due to his previous affiliation with the Awami League and his involvement in the ongoing murder investigation.

The allegations against Shakib, a member of the Awami League, stem from an incident on August 5, where a protest in Dhaka turned deadly.

The father of the victim, Robel, has lodged the complaint, naming Shakib along with 153 others, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and actor Firdous Ahmed, as accused.

Inspector Md Nazrul Islam of Adabor police station confirmed the information.

Shakib, who was elected as a member of Parliament under the Awami League's banner earlier this year, has not returned to Bangladesh since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government.

He is currently representing Bangladesh in the Test series against Pakistan, while his family resides in the United States.

Former cricketer Mashrafe Mortaza, also affiliated with the Awami League, faced violence during the protests as his house was set on fire, though he and his family were unharmed.

Recently, Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from Test and T20 international cricket and indicated plans to retire from One Day Internationals after the upcoming Champions Trophy. This situation adds further complexity to his public image as he navigates both sports and politics in Bangladesh.