Exiled Bangladeshi cricket star Shakib Al Hasan willing to return, face murder trial if safety assured

Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan, an exiled ally of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, says he is ready to return home and face trial on murder charges if the government guarantees his security. Bangladesh cricket Shakib Al Hasan has said he is willing to return home and face criminal proceedings against him if the government guarantees his safety, according to an exclusive interview with Reuters.Shakib has been living in exile in the United States since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led uprising in August 2024. The former Bangladesh captain, who was also an Awami League lawmaker under Hasina, has not returned home since.“If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that's needed to be done,” Shakib told Reuters by phone from Sri Lanka.He said he believed the allegations against him were baseless and wanted the opportunity to return and defend himself in court. Shakib said he was also keen to speak with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman about his return.Shakib is facing two active cases in Bangladesh. One concerns the alleged killing of a protester during the 2024 upris...