Mahmud was alluding to Shakib’s plunging popularity after he remained silent during the student-led protests in July and August, during which hundreds were killed. On Thursday, in Kanpur, during his first press conference since the T20 World Cup in June, Shakib skirted the subject when asked about his position on the political changes in Bangladesh.

Sports adviser Mahmud said Shakib’s dual role as a cricketer and a politician had drawn the public’s wrath, and that’s where the complication lies.

“The state is bound to give security to each citizen, so we will obviously [provide him with security]. In Shakib’s case, we have to remember that he has two identities – the cricketer and the politician. He took part in the general elections from Awami League. People have mixed reactions regarding both his identities. Now we will give Shakib, the player, enough security, as much as a sportsperson. This is our responsibility. We will give him [security] if he comes to the country.

Mahmud said that the murder case shouldn’t be an obstacle for Shakib, referring to a recent statement by law adviser Asif Nazrul. Nazrul made statements last month and on September 25 that suggested Shakib will not face arrest by merely being named in a case. “Already the law ministry has said about his case, that a name can be removed if the person is not complicit,” Mahmud said.

Mahmud’s statement should hold some assurance for Shakib. He is reportedly heading back to the USA, where his family resides, after the Kanpur Test. Shakib isn’t part of the T20I squad for the three-match series against India starting on October 6, having also announced his international retirement from the shortest format.