Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud shared on Sunday that star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan needs to clarify his political stance before asking for security to play his last Test match against South Africa at his favourite Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. However, Shakib recently said that he wants to end his Test career at home if the Bangladesh Cricket Board assures him security. In reply, the BCB shared that they are not in a position to ensure his security and put the ball in the government’s court as well.

“BCB addressed the issue and the state is bound to give security to each and every one of its citizens. We will obviously do this. In this case, you have to remember that Shakib Al Hasan has two identities – the cricketer and the politician. He took part in the general elections from Awami League’s panel. People have mixed reactions regarding both his identities. Now, we will give Shakib, the cricketer, enough security, as much as a player receives. This is our responsibility and we will give him that if he comes to the country,” Mahmud told reporters during a briefing at law ministry on Sunday.

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“But if the general people have outrage towards him because of his political identity.. For instance, I have five police constables and one gunman for my security and if 100 million people out of the 160 million are angry then can they, five or six people, protect me? Hence, if the people are angry with me, then I have to reduce that with my words. I think he has to make his position clear and talk about his political standpoint,” he said.

“Mashrafee Bin Mortaza already talked about his situation. So, if there are security risks from the people, then no one can give security to anyone. Even Sheikh Hasina could not be given that security and she had to flee. So, Shakib has to make his political stand clear,” he concluded.