Shakib seeks return, Aminul rules it out

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his willingness to return home and face the legal cases against him if he is assured of a fair trial and personal safety, but State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has ruled out any special arrangement, saying the former national captain has "no way back" outside the legal process.

Speaking to Reuters in an interview published on Friday, Shakib said he was prepared to return to Bangladesh despite the legal cases pending against him, provided the government guaranteed his security and ensured due process.

Responding to Shakib's remarks, Aminul told AFP that there would be no special treatment for the former cricketer, insisting that everyone is equal before the law.

"He has no way back outside the legal process," the minister said, adding that Shakib would have to face the courts like any other citizen if he returned to the country.

According to Reuters, Shakib said he wanted to return not only to address the legal proceedings but also to end his international career on home soil. He said he was ready to cooperate with the authorities if he received assurances regarding his safety and the judicial process.

Shakib, one of Bangladesh's most successful cricketers, has been living abroad since the political changeover last year. Reuters reported that legal proceedings against him have complicated any immediate return to the country.

Aminul, however, maintained in his comments to AFP that the government could not offer preferential treatment to anyone, regardless of their public profile or sporting achievements.

The exchange comes amid continuing public debate over whether the former Bangladesh captain should be allowed to return to the country while the legal cases against him remain pending.

Both Reuters and AFP reported that the issue has reignited discussion over Shakib's future and the circumstances under which he may eventually return to Bangladesh.