Bangladesh cricketer Nayeem Hasanwas reportedly assaulted by police officers in Chattogram on June 12 while returning home from Dhaka after featuring in a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match earlier in the day. The incident allegedly occurred near the city's Lalkhan Bazar area, where police stopped the autorickshaw he was traveling in.
According to Nayeem, the officers appeared hostile from the outset, although he was unaware of what had triggered their aggression. He claimed that the police
grabbed him by the throat and forcibly pushed him into another autorickshaw with the intention of taking him to a police station.
The situation drew the attention of bystanders, who reportedly informed the officers that Nayeem was a national cricketer. However, despite the intervention of onlookers, the police allegedly continued with their actions and did not alter their approach.
"I repeatedly told them who I was, but they refused to listen. The police beat me indiscriminately with sticks and plastic pipes. Later, when I identified myself at the police station, the officer-in-charge told me to keep my eyes down while speaking. If they were really police officers, why did they try to put me into a CNG instead of a police vehicle? I want a fair investigation and justice over the entire incident,” said Nayeem as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam stated that an investigation would be conducted and appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible for the incident. Following several hours in custody, Nayeem was released in the early hours of June 13 and subsequently returned home.
"It appears initially that the officers involved did not follow proper procedures during the operation. We will ensure that he [Nayeem] receives justice, and whoever is found responsible will be brought under punishment,” said Amirul to The Daily Sun.
"What happened to Nayeem is absolutely unacceptable. I want a fair investigation of the incident. I am hurt and ashamed at what happened to Nayeem. I protest this incident as a Bangladesh citizen. Nayeem, we are with you!,” said Mushfiqur Rahim on social media.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a statement on June 13 expressing deep concern over the incident and emphasising the need for a thorough investigation. The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) also strongly condemned the alleged harassment of the national cricketer and called for strict action against those responsible.
"The BCB expects a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and urges the relevant authorities to take appropriate action against those found responsible,” said the BCB in a statement.
