A serious incident has taken place in Chattogram. Mohammad Nayeem Hasan, a 26-year-old allrounder from Bangladesh, claims he was assaulted by police officers late on Friday night.
Nayeem was on his way home from Dhaka airport after playing for Prime Bank Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. The alleged attack happened while he was in a CNG auto-rickshaw.
He reported that several police officers stopped the vehicle near Lalkhan Bazar, grabbed him by the throat, and forced him into a different auto-rickshaw, intending to take him to a police station.
“I repeatedly told them who I was, but they refused to listen,” Nayeem said, according to ESPNcricinfo. “The police beat me indiscriminately with sticks and plastic pipes. Later, at the station, the officer in charge told me to keep my eyes down while speaking.”
“If they were really police officers, why didn’t they use a police vehicle to take me? I want a fair investigation and justice for this incident.”
Police response to the incident
Amirul Islam, deputy commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, acknowledged mistakes in the procedures followed and assured accountability.
“It seems that the officers involved did not follow proper procedures during this operation,” he told The Daily Sun. “We will make sure Nayeem gets justice, and anyone found responsible will face consequences.”
Support from Mushfiqur Rahim
“What happened to Nayeem is completely unacceptable. I want a fair investigation. I feel hurt and ashamed about this incident. Nayeem, we stand by you!”
Bangladesh Cricket Board and Tamim Iqbal call for justice
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has released a strong statement condemning the incident.
“The BCB expresses deep concern regarding the reported harassment and abuse of Nayeem Hasan by police in Chattogram. We strongly condemn the unacceptable conduct displayed towards this national athlete and regard the matter with utmost seriousness. Such treatment of a national player is regrettable and requires immediate attention.”
“The BCB expects a thorough and fair investigation and urges relevant authorities to take appropriate actions against those responsible.”
New BCB president Tamim Iqbal also expressed similar views, stating that the board is in close contact with Nayeem and his family.
“The BCB has condemned the incident, and we will take any necessary action from here. We support Nayeem and all cricketers.”