Cricket’s Shakib, an Hasina ally, will face trial in Bangladesh if secure

What the report says

Bangladeshi cricket star Shakib Al Hasan says he is prepared to return home, face trial and resume his career if the government can guarantee his safety, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting based on Reuters. Shakib, 39, has been living in the United States since the 2024 overthrow of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, whose Awami League he previously represented in politics. He told Reuters he still hopes to play a farewell series in Bangladesh and remain available for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

The case comes amid wider political fallout from Hasina’s removal, with many of her allies facing investigations or criminal charges. Al Jazeera reported that Shakib says two cases are active against him: one linked to the alleged killing of a protester during the anti-Hasina uprising, and another involving alleged corruption. He denies wrongdoing and says he has asked authorities through a lawyer to drop what he calls fabricated charges. He also said his bank accounts have been frozen during the investigation.

Shakib said he wants to return immediately if security is assured, or potentially alongside Hasina if she goes back to Bangladesh. He described an earlier attempt to fly home that was reversed and said a later plan was blocked after he posted a birthday message for Hasina. The report adds that his public appearance with Hasina earlier this week was followed by an attack on his home, underscoring the political sensitivity of his return.