Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official Shahriar Nafees has assured that Shakib Al Hasan will not be subjected to any unfair treatment upon his return to Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government. Shakib, one of the most accomplished all-rounders in international cricket, was among 147 individuals named in a murder case in Dhaka last month. The 38-year-old cricketer became a member of parliament in January this year.
On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh's prime minister and left the country amid violent student protests. At that time, Shakib was participating in the Global T20 League in Canada. After the tournament, he traveled to Pakistan for a two-match Test series. Following Bangladesh's historic victory over Pakistan, Shakib joined the team in India for their ongoing tour.
Nafees expressed confidence that Shakib will not encounter any issues and believes there is no reason why the seasoned player should not feature in Bangladesh's home series. "I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser, and sports adviser have clearly addressed the situation with Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh government has sent a clear message that no one will be unfairly harassed in the cases filed. We trust that the interim government has clearly stated its stance on Shakib. Unless there are injury or selection concerns, I do not foresee any reason why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh for the upcoming home series," Nafees stated, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
In August, Bangladesh's law adviser, Asif Nazrul, also expressed optimism that Shakib would not be arrested in relation to the case. "There is only a case filed against Shakib. I hope he will not be arrested. I have been informed that the police have been instructed to exercise maximum restraint in case of any unforeseen events," Asif noted.
Shakib is set to represent Bangladesh in the second Test against India on Friday in Kanpur.
