Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has said he is willing to return to Bangladesh and face legal proceedings if the government guarantees his safety.

Shakib, who is named in a murder case linked to the July 2024 uprising, said he has nothing to hide and is prepared to cooperate with the judicial process.

"If I receive assurance from the government that my safety will be guaranteed, I will gladly return to Bangladesh," Shakib told Reuters while playing franchise cricket in Sri Lanka. "I will face the court and do everything that is required."

The all-rounder, widely regarded as Bangladesh's greatest cricketer, has been living abroad for nearly two years. He maintained that he had done nothing wrong during the July movement.

"I know I did nothing," he said.

Shakib, a former Member of Parliament for the now-banned Awami League, has remained outside Bangladesh since August 2024, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted following the student-led mass uprising.

According to the United Nations, around 1,400 people were killed during the July movement. Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India, has since been sentenced to death in connection with the killings.

Speaking at a recent online press conference, Sheikh Hasina announced that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December. Shakib also participated in the same virtual event.

In his interview with Reuters, Shakib said he hopes to return to Bangladesh as soon as possible. However, if that is not possible, he plans to return alongside Sheikh Hasina in December.

"The leader (Sheikh Hasina) will decide, and we will follow her," Shakib said. "I believe she will make the right decision, and we will follow whatever guidance we receive."

The 39-year-old also reflected on the final stage of his cricket career, saying he still enjoys playing and continues to perform well in franchise leagues around the world.

"I am playing in most of the major franchise leagues. I am doing well, still enjoying the game, and performing well," Shakib said. "But age is no longer on my side, so I cannot wait too long before retiring."

Shakib's comments come amid continued legal and political uncertainty surrounding his future, while he remains active on the global franchise cricket circuit.