Test series with South Africa will kick off with the first Test on 21 October. However, the focus of the discussion is not on Bangladesh's prospects or their on-field battles, but on Shakib Al Hasan. The prevailing question everywhere is: will Shakib be able to bid farewell on home soil?
Shakib's name is linked to a murder case involving the killing of a garment worker during an anti-discrimination student protest. Along with expressing his desire to play his final Test in Mirpur against South Africa, Shakib has also sought assurances regarding his security. Additionally, the experienced all-rounder has requested guarantees for his safe arrival and departure from the country.
Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has addressed the matter several times before. A few days ago, he mentioned that Shakib would receive maximum security. On Sunday, after visiting the Mirpur Stadium, he reiterated a similar statement during a press conference. Asif Mahmud stated that there are no legal obstacles for Shakib's movement in and out of the country. Furthermore, if the preliminary investigation does not find any involvement, Shakib's name will be cleared from the murder case, TBS reported.
"There should be no barriers in his movement in or out of the country, as far as I know. The legal aspects are for the Ministry of Law to explain. I am neither an expert nor responsible for the Ministry of Law. However, we have had discussions with the Ministry of Law. Asif Nazrul sir has already said that if the preliminary investigation finds no involvement, his name will be dropped from the murder case," said the sports advisor.
Asif Mahmud does not see any legal obstacles in Shakib's return to the country. He added, "At present, there seem to be no legal issues. The law runs its own course, which I cannot comment on. Asif sir from the Ministry of Law has made a statement on this matter. However, I believe the people of Bangladesh have immense respect for the law. It has been proven. Even after a massive uprising in Bangladesh, unlike in other countries where such situations lead to chaos, our people have shown respect for the law. We have not reached that extreme. Everyone was expecting the situation to worsen significantly, but it didn't."
Earlier on 9 October, Shakib posted an apology on his official Facebook page, expressing regret for remaining silent during the student movement and also explaining his political stance.
Referring to this and discussing Shakib's security, the sports advisor said, "It is the state's responsibility to ensure the security of every citizen. The state is also responsible for ensuring the security of the national cricket team, and we will make sure of that."
bd-pratidin/GR
