Published : 08 Aug 2026, 04:08 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:31 AM
State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has taken a firm stance on the matter of Shakib Al Hasan, the star Bangladeshi cricketer and former member of parliament who spoke at a press conference called by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.
The former footballer said sports authorities had been flexible about Shakib's situation as a player, but that door has closed.
The former captain of the national cricket team will have to return to Bangladesh through legal means, he said.
Shakib was in the US with his family when the Hasina-led Awami League government fell in 2024. Unable to return to the country, the all-rounder and Awami League MP settled there with his family.
Shakib continues to play abroad. After the political changeover, he has represented the country in games abroad. He has also made appearances in other franchise leagues. Now he is playing in the Sri Lanka Premier League.
There have been regular discussions on bringing Shakib back home and to the national cricket team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also spoken of taking initiatives on the matter. But, in the end, nothing has materialised.
Shakib virtually took part in Hasina's press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, and Aminul clarified his position afterwards.
"We were looking at things very flexibly, very tolerantly,” he said. “But, after this, it doesn't seem like there is any chance to think that way anymore.
"One who has climbed on the stage of autocracy – it doesn’t seem as if there is any chance for him to come back. We were thinking of him as a player. We were flexible. Now there is no chance. If he returns, he will do so in a legal manner.”
