Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been urged to clarify his political stance before requesting security for his final Test match on home soil. He recently announced his intention to retire after the second Test against India, expressing a desire to play his last game against South Africa in Dhaka. However, following his name being mentioned in a murder case FIR, Shakib has expressed concerns about his safety while traveling to Bangladesh, seeking assurances from the government.
Government’s Response to Security Requests
In response to Shakib’s situation, Asif Mahmud, the Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser, emphasized that the government is obligated to provide security to all citizens, including Shakib as a cricketer. He acknowledged that Shakib’s dual identity as both a cricketer and a former politician complicates matters. Shakib had previously contested elections as a candidate from the Awami League, which has led to mixed public reactions towards him. Mahmud assured reporters that Shakib would receive security comparable to that of any other cricketer, should he choose to return to the country.
The Complexity of Public Sentiment
Mahmud articulated the complexities surrounding public sentiment, highlighting that while the state is responsible for ensuring safety, Shakib’s political background could evoke backlash from the public. He pointed out that if a significant portion of the population—potentially 100 million out of 160 million—harbors anger towards Shakib, a limited security detail may not be sufficient. Mahmud suggested that it is essential for Shakib to address the public’s concerns directly, stating that if people are upset with him, he needs to mitigate that through dialogue.
He referenced the example of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who has also faced scrutiny regarding security risks, underscoring that even high-profile figures like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have faced challenges in securing their safety amid public unrest. Ultimately, Mahmud concluded that Shakib must clarify his political stance to ensure he can navigate the complexities of his dual identity and any associated security risks effectively.
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