The 32-year old returned home yesterday after enjoying a three-week holiday in the United States with his family but brushed aside the jet lag from the 24-hour travel when asked to comment on the issue.

"I think the time has come to give the matter some serious thought. It is a very important issue for discussion. I would most definitely like to have a more active role in the selection process," said Bashar who has been Bangladesh's most successful skipper in their own limited way. Bashar missed the first day's training of the Tigers' preliminary camp yesterday but cleared the air a little saying he could not return earlier due to the non-availability of a flight.

The country's highest run-scorer in Test cricket also agreed with the view of chief selector Faruque Ahmed that the captain should be given a lengthy appointment.

"For the captain to have his say in the team, you need to appoint him for a certain period of time and not on a series by series basis. That will help the skipper to plan things. Under the present policy of the board (BCB), the selectors are not obliged to seek or accept my opinion."

Bashar also admitted that with his current status, it was impossible for him to exert enough authority.

"The boys are very helpful and they are very cooperative towards me. But I think there is a need for a certain amount of power to handle the team properly. There has to be room for the captain to express himself and show his personality. Without that you can not expect something creative from him."

When asked whether he would discuss these factors with the BCB as expected by the board president, Bashar replied in the positive.

"I have read the comments of the chief selector Faruque Ahmed on the issue on the internet version of Daily Star Sport. Actually I have been thinking about it for quite a long time and definitely I will let my desires known to the board soon. It will be excellent if we can put some of the things in practice before our next assignment."

Coach Dav Whatmore meanwhile was diplomatic in his views on the matter.

"Captaining the team is a very important position. The case is not that we don't talk to him (Bashar). At the moment he is not excluded from the selection procedure because he gets information and we also get information from him. His opinion is heard," said Whatmore.

"He is still (part of the process), but officially it needs to be seen what can be done."