Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan has made clear that he has no intention of abandoning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League in order to facilitate his return to Bangladesh.

In an interview with Reuters, Shakib said he remains loyal to Hasina and indicated that he would not alter his political position simply to make it easier to return home. He described Hasina as his “captain”, saying he would follow her direction.

The comments come as Shakib seeks to return to Bangladesh after spending more than two years abroad following the political upheaval that brought down Hasina’s government in August 2024. The former Bangladesh parliamentarian has said he is prepared to face legal proceedings in the country, provided adequate security can be guaranteed.

Shakib has been named in several cases in Bangladesh, including a murder case. He has rejected the allegations and described the charges as fabricated. In particular, he has pointed to the timing of one murder allegation, arguing that he was in Toronto playing in the Global T20 Canada competition when the incident cited in the case took place.

The legal cases have become a major obstacle to Shakib’s return. The current authorities have maintained that he would have to face the legal process like any other accused person and that no special treatment would be offered because of his status as a prominent international cricketer.

Shakib, however, has not abandoned his plans to return. He wants to resolve his legal situation and has also expressed a desire to end his international career on the field. The all-rounder remains hopeful of playing for Bangladesh again and has spoken of the possibility of appearing at the 2027 World Cup if circumstances allow.

His international career has already entered its final phase. Shakib has been one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers across formats and has represented the national side for many years. His political career, however, has added a new dimension to his public life.

Shakib was elected to parliament from Magura-1 as an Awami League candidate in the January 2024 general election. His parliamentary career was cut short following the fall of the Hasina government later that year. Since then, his political affiliation has remained a central issue whenever his possible return to Bangladesh has been discussed.

The political backdrop has also changed significantly. Hasina’s government was removed from power following a deadly student-led uprising in August 2024, after which she left Bangladesh. Hasina remains outside the country and has continued to defend her political position. In a recent address, she called for the ban on the Awami League to be lifted and said she intended to return to Bangladesh in December, despite the legal risks she faces.

Shakib’s position therefore places his possible return at the intersection of sport, politics and the legal system. While he wants to come home and face the cases against him, he has also made it clear that he does not intend to distance himself from Hasina or the Awami League merely to secure that return.

Security is another significant concern. According to Reuters, Shakib has previously faced difficulties returning to Bangladesh and has expressed concern about his safety. His home in Magura was also attacked after he appeared at a media event supporting Hasina.

For Shakib, the issue is not simply about returning to the country. He wants to be able to return safely, confront the legal proceedings and, if possible, finish his cricket career in Bangladesh.

The situation has left his future dependent on several factors. His legal cases remain unresolved, his political affiliation continues to attract controversy, and questions over his security have not disappeared. At the same time, Shakib remains unwilling to separate his personal political position from his hopes of returning home.

For one of Bangladesh’s most recognisable sporting figures, the final chapter of his career is therefore unfolding far beyond the cricket field. Whether he can return, face the legal process and receive an opportunity to make a farewell appearance for Bangladesh will depend on how the country’s political and legal circumstances develop.