The 39-year-old, a former politician for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, has lived in the United States since Hasina’s government was toppled in a student-led uprising in August 2024. Speaking to Reuters from Sri Lanka, where he is playing franchise cricket, Shakib insisted he had done nothing wrong and was willing to clear his name.
“If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that’s needed to be done,” he said.
Shakib faces two active cases: one alleging involvement in the killing of a protester during the 2024 uprising, and another related to alleged corruption. He described the murder charge as “laughable,” noting it was filed on a day when he was playing a match in Toronto.
The all-rounder has not yet retired from international cricket and still hopes to play a farewell series at home and represent Bangladesh at the 2027 Cricket World Cup. “Age is not on my side at this moment, so I cannot wait for too long,” he added.
Shakib revealed previous attempts to return had failed. On one occasion in late 2024 he boarded a flight home after receiving security assurances, only to be told mid-journey to turn back. A later plan collapsed after he posted a birthday message for Hasina on social media.
He has also confirmed that his bank accounts have been frozen for more than a year and that he has not seen his parents, who remain in Bangladesh and have been prevented from leaving the country.
Shakib’s situation underscores the wider fallout from Hasina’s ouster, with many of her allies still facing charges and unable to return.