Bangladesh declared on August 6 that former cricket star Shakib Al Hasan has no opportunity to return to the sport after he took part in a media event with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently under a death sentence in absentia.
Shakib participated in the event via phone from New Delhi on August 5, where Hasina spoke to reporters. This marked Hasina's first public appearance in two years since being forced from office following a deadly crackdown on student protests.
Bangladesh's Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque said the government had previously taken a rather open approach toward Shakib, who was a politician for the Awami League, the former ruling party of Hasina.
“We had looked at the matter with considerable flexibility and tolerance. After this incident, I don't think there is any room for such thinking anymore,” Haque said in a statement. “A person who has stepped onto the stage with a dictator has no chance to return.”
Shakib, 39, currently in Sri Lanka, is among dozens of people being investigated in murder cases related to the deadly police crackdown on protesters that led to the collapse of Hasina's government.
Shakib is Bangladesh's most successful cricketer and one of the country's most prominent sports figures. He has played more than 400 international matches and represented Bangladesh at five World Cups.
Human rights organizations have long accused Hasina's former government of abuses, including killing opponents, suppressing opposition parties, rigging courts, and holding one-sided elections.
A court in Dhaka convicted Hasina in absentia in November 2025 on charges of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death. She remains in hiding in India.
Shakib, who previously captained the national team, announced his retirement plans in September 2024 after the team's second Test in India, but later said he would play a full series before ending his career.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said in January that he could return to play, but his participation in the event in India sparked anger. Shakib said his house was firebombed as a result of the incident.
On August 6, Shakib declared he was ready to return to Bangladesh from exile in Sri Lanka to face the charges, including murder. He also expressed hope of playing for the country at the 2027 Cricket World Cup, after leading the team at the 2023 tournament.
