Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has remained mum regarding the possibility of a future in politics at an Eid programme in New York.
"We are attending an Eid get-together so it would be best to avoid such discussions," he said.
The possibility of Shakib entering politics was brought into the limelight by Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, who said that both Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shakib could participate in the next election.
All-rounder Shakib also avoided discussions of football during the "Expats' Evening with Shakib Al Hasan” event at New York City’s Jackson Heights on Sunday, according to a local news agency.
“I better not comment on football as I don't belong in that arena,” he said when asked about the state of football in Bangladesh.
He was also cagey regarding the queries of expats regarding his favourite actors and musicians.
He talked only about cricket including his future plans; and even discussed the defeats against Afghanistan.
"There will be wins and losses in any competition, but our defeat to Afghanistan was unexpected. We want to move forward with the experience we gained from it and hope for your support," he said.
"If I ever take charge of BKSP, I will try to fulfil my dream. You will see it producing national level players from the grassroots level. It is a matter of time," he said.
However, he said he had no immediate plans to do so as he is often living outside Bangladesh.
Shakib's wife and daughter live in the US.
"She is an American and will do what she likes to do in life. I am not going to force anything on her," he said, when asked if he wants his daughter to play cricket.
The two-hour programme was organised by Show Time Music where expatriates gave a reception to Shakib.
Founder and CEO of People and Tech Engineer Abu Hanip, President Farhana Hanip, Founder and President of Abdul Quader Miah Foundation Quader Miah, real estate investor Md Anowar Hossain, Moinul Hossain, Awami League leader Haji Enam, Bangladeshi American Democratic League President Khorshed Khandaker, Queens District Young Democratic Party Treasurer Joy Chowdhury, and organising company head Alamgir Khan Alam were attended the event.
Expat journalist Shameen Al Amin moderated the programme that ended with patriotic songs sung by Trishna Tithi.
Shakib also presented crests to expatriates for special contributions in community service.