'Angry at him for his...,' Bangladesh sports advisor confirms security for Shakib Al Hasan upon return

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Mahmud has said that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be provided security upon his return to the country but he has to make his political stance clear. This comes after Shakib recently said that he'd like to play his last Test at home next month if given the security.

The need for security arises after Awami League government was toppled in Bangladesh post violent protests and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country in the last couple of months. Shakib was also a Member of Parliament from the same party. After Hasina's ouster, he has also been named in an FIR along with 146 people for a murder.

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"The state is bound to give security to each citizen, so we will obviously [provide him with security]. In Shakib's case, we have to remember that he has two identities - the cricketer and the politician. He took part in the general elections from Awami League. People have mixed reactions regarding both his identities. Now we will give Shakib, the player, enough security, as much as a sportsperson. This is our responsibility. We will give him [security] if he comes to the country."

"The public could however be angry at him for his political identity. If half the country's population is angry at me, then the five or six security persons I have won't be enough to protect me. Shakib can however reduce the public's anger through his own words. I think he has to clarify his political standpoint. [Former Bangladesh captain and MP] Mashrafe Mortaza already talked about his situation. So if there are security risks from the people, then no one can give security to anyone. Even [then prime minister] Sheikh Hasina could not be provided the security, she had to flee the country. So Shakib has to make his political stance clear," said Mahmud.

Shakib is currently taking part in the second and final Test against India in India.