Exile’s Price: Shakib Al Hasan’s Return to Face Justice in Bangladesh

The recent statement from exiled Bangladeshi cricket star Shakib Al Hasan, expressing his willingness to return home and face trial if guaranteed safety, has reignited a long-standing debate about accountability for those with power. For years, Shakib has lived in self-imposed exile, evading the consequences of his alleged involvement in the 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Shakib’s decision to return home is driven by more than just a desire to clear his name. He hopes to play out his cricket career on familiar soil, with the goal of leading Bangladesh to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The cricketer acknowledges that age is catching up with him and he cannot afford to wait indefinitely for the perfect timing.

Shakib’s willingness to return home sends mixed signals about the Rahman government’s commitment to engaging with its critics. While officials insist on applying the law equally to all citizens, they have yet to provide concrete assurance that Shakib will be protected during his trial. The press secretary’s statement dismissing any suggestion of special treatment has done little to alleviate concerns about the cricketer’s safety.

The Rahman administration faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, it must maintain its hardline stance on accountability, which has been a hallmark of its rule. On the other hand, it risks alienating a national icon who still carries significant influence in Bangladesh. The fact that Shakib was willing to return home in late 2024 after receiving assurances about his safety only to be turned back suggests that politics may be at play.

The complexities of accountability in the Bangladeshi context are on full display in Shakib’s case. He has been accused of involvement in the killing of a protester, but the murder case was filed on a day when he was playing a match in Toronto. The lack of clarity around these circumstances raises questions about the selective application of justice and whether Shakib will receive a fair hearing.

If the Rahman government genuinely wants to demonstrate its commitment to accountability, it must take concrete steps to ensure Shakib’s safety and provide him with a fair trial. Anything less would raise suspicions that politics is being used as a shield to protect those in power from facing justice.