Shakib given further assurance for farewell Test

Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has said that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has no problem to come to Bangladesh for his last Test against South Africa, starting in Dhaka on October 21. "I don't think there is any problem for him to come or go out of the country," the sports adviser said at a press conference in Mirpur following a visit to the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

"And it is what as far as I am concerned. But I can’t tell about legal aspect. That’s in the jurisdiction of the law ministry and they only can explain the legal aspect,” he added. A murder case was filed against Shakib, a former lawmaker, following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. 

The sports adviser said they have already discussed Shakib’s matter with the law adviser. “If his (Shakib) involvement is not found in the preliminary investigation, his name will be dropped from the case. That’s what Asif Nazrul Sir told us," he said. Shakib who remained silent during the July uprising, has recently made an apology to the countrymen in a long facebook post.

He also urged the people to come to bid him a Test farewell. But despite his apology, protest is going on against him. Some people, however, gathered at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium to protest against Shakib returning to the country and vented their anger through wall graffiti at the stadium.

Sports adviser said the state has the responsibility to ensure the security of the people of all walks of life. "The state has the responsibility to ensure the safety of every citizen. And the cricket team is no exception. We will make sure of that," he said. But at the same time, he added everyone has the rights to express their opinion.

"Venting anger against Shakib may be emotional outburst from public due to his involvement with the former 'fascist government'. "However, he cleared his stance in a recent post. But I think there is definitely a place for passion," the adviser added.