United News of Bangladesh

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be provided full security if she returns to Bangladesh to face the judicial process, said Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday. Adviser Zahed came up with the remarks while responding to a question at a press briefing on the progress of various government activities at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) at Secretariat. Describing cricketer Shakib Al Hasan as a “rotten and decayed person,” Dr. Zahed said the government will ensure his full security if he returns to Bangladesh to face the legal proceedings against him.  “He may be a good player, but he is a rotten and decayed person. A person who aligned himself with Hasina and is still aligned with her; even after the 5th, statements from him came,” he said. Shakib recently told Reuters in an interview that he wanted to return to Bangladesh and face the cases filed against him if he was assured of security. Asked about the government’s position on the matter, Zahed said there was no reason for Shakib to feel insecure if he returns to the country. Referring to Shakib’s demand for security as an attempt to put pressure on the government, the adviser said “He will come to Bangladesh to face the cases, the law and the trial. If he lands at the airport, will people mob him and do something to him? Does he think that? Do any of us think that? No way,” he said. “He will come and under the security provided to him, face whatever allegations he has and comply with all the legal matters involved. If he comes accepting all that, I see no problem,” he said. The adviser also termed Shakib’s remarks as “propaganda” against the government. “Each of these statements is actually propaganda against our government,” he said.

Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan is set to gain control over two directorships of the proposed Islamic Shariah-based People's Bank. Shakib and his mother Shirin Akhter's names have been sent to Bangladesh Bank for NOCs to clear their way for bank directorship. Read: Filmmaker Srijit Mukherji wants to make biopic on Shakib Al Hasan MA Kashem, chief sponsor of the proposed bank, confirmed the information on Wednesday. Similarly, the concerned officials of Bangladesh Bank also verified it is true. However, the bank has not yet received the required banking license from Bangladesh Bank. Experts have for quite some time voiced a view that the number of banks in the country is too high, and rather than inducting new players, there is a need for consolidation in the sector.  Once finalized, People's Bank will conduct Shariah-compliant banking activities. Read: Shakib’s inner child comes out on rain-soaked day To be a member of the bank's board of directors as an entrepreneur, it needs to hold a minimum of 2% share. As such, Shakib will have to provide a minimum capital of Tk 10 crore for each post of director of People's Bank. It is learned that Shakib Al Hasan is providing more than Tk 25 crore for directorship of the bank. Earlier, Shakib Al Hasan secured licenses for a brokerage house and gold trading.