Shakib has been busy on the franchise circuit in recent months, featuring in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States before joining Jaffna Kings in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL), where he has been among the team's standout performers.
He is also set to play for Pokhara Avengers in the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Despite playing in leagues close to Bangladesh, Shakib has remained overseas since July 2024. He had travelled as far as Dubai in an attempt to return home but was unable to do so after failing to receive government clearance.
Speaking to Cricfrenzy, the 39-year-old said he is hopeful of returning soon, although he cannot predict when that will be.
"I don't know because I don't follow the news that closely, so it's difficult for me to say. But I hope it's soon. It could be next month, the month after, November or December," Shakib said with a smile. "The sooner I can return, the better it will be for me."
Although he has stepped away from T20 internationals, Shakib has not officially retired from Test or ODI cricket. He had hoped to play one final Test on home soil against South Africa last year, but the plan fell through after he was unable to return to Bangladesh.
The veteran all-rounder still dreams of ending his international career in Mirpur and believes such a farewell would become a memorable chapter in Bangladesh's sporting history.
"If that happens, it will definitely be remembered in Bangladesh's sporting history. I have no doubt about that," he said.
Shakib has not represented Bangladesh for more than two years but has not ruled out playing in the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. However, he believes the decision should depend on whether the team still needs him.
"More important than whether I want to play is whether Bangladesh still needs me. The selectors and the captain are in the best position to decide that. If they think I'm needed, then they can consider it. But that's a discussion for the future," he added.
