Shakib Al Hasan Wishes to Continue Awami League Politics

Former world-class all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has broken his silence regarding his political future, affirming his loyalty to the Bangladesh Awami League. In a detailed interview with bdnews24.com, the former Member of Parliament (Magura-1) clarified that he has no intention of switching political parties despite the current state of the country.

Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, Shakib has been unable to return to Bangladesh. He currently faces several legal challenges, including murder cases. Although he was scheduled to play his farewell Test match against South Africa, security complexities forced him to return to the United States from Dubai. Throughout this period, Shakib has consistently expressed his desire to retire from international cricket on home soil.

Addressing his political stance, Shakib emphasized that his commitment remains with the Awami League. "That is how it should be (staying committed to the Awami League), right? I have no desire or hobby to change parties constantly. I have never done such a thing," he stated.

Shakib further noted that he values loyalty regardless of a party's size. "Even if I had joined a small party, I would have remained loyal to it. I don't have a habit of switching sides ('polti deya')," the cricketer-turned-politician added.

The Awami League’s activities are currently restricted in the country, but Shakib expressed belief that such measures are not permanent. "It is banned now, but does that mean it will be banned forever? Can anyone keep someone banned for a lifetime? This is a democratic right of the people. You cannot suppress a large section of the country forever," he remarked.

Shakib Al Hasan won the Magura-1 seat in the 2024 general election but served only a brief tenure before the dissolution of parliament. Despite the significant shift in the country's political landscape, his latest comments indicate a firm resolve to maintain his affiliation with the party that brought him into the political arena.