Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in charge of cricket operations Shahriar Nafees has said that Shakib Al Hasan won’t be “harassed unfairly” when he returns to Bangladesh for the first time since the fall of the Awami League government.
One of the most decorated all-rounders in international cricket, Shakib was among 147 people named in a murder case in Dhaka last month. The 38-year-old became a member of the parliament in January this year.
On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned as the prime minister of Bangladesh and fled the country following the violent protests led by students.
At that time, Shakib was playing in the Global T20 League in Canada. Following the conclusion of the tournament, he travelled to Pakistan for the two-match Test series. After Bangladesh’s historic win over Pakistan, Shakib arrived in India for their ongoing tour.
Nafees is confident that Shakib won’t face any issues and feels that there is no reason why their experienced star should not play in Bangladesh.
“I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser, and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan. There is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed. We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, I personally don’t see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh in the home series,” Nafees said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
In August, Bangladesh’s law adviser, Asif Nazrul, also expressed hope that Shakib would not be arrested in connection with the case.
“There’s only a case filed against Shakib. I hope he will not be arrested. I have come to know that the police forces have been asked to show as much restraint as possible in case something incredible happens,” Asif said.
Shakib will be in action for Bangladesh for the second Test against India on Friday in Kanpur.