Bangladesh cricketer Nayeem Hasan alleges assault by Police, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal demand justice

A shocking incident has emerged from Chattogram, where 26‑year‑old Bangladesh allrounder Mohammad Nayeem Hasan has alleged that he was assaulted by police officers late Friday night.

Nayeem, returning home from Dhaka airport after playing for Prime Bank Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, was travelling in a CNG‑run auto‑rickshaw when the alleged assault occurred. 

According to him, several policemen stopped the vehicle near the Lalkhan Bazar area, grabbed him by the throat, and forced him into another auto‑rickshaw to take him to a police station.

"I repeatedly told them who I was, but they refused to listen," Nayeem was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "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."

Police react to the alleged incident

Chattogram Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Amirul Islam acknowledged procedural lapses and promised accountability.

"It appears initially that the officers involved did not follow proper procedures during the operation," he told The Daily Sun. "We will ensure that he [Nayeem] receives justice, and whoever is found responsible will be brought under punishment."

Mushfiqur Rahim voices support

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim voiced his outrage and solidarity with Nayeem, posting on Facebook alongside a photo of him presenting Nayeem with his Test cap.

"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!"

Bangladesh Cricket Board and Tamim Iqbal demand justice

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the incident.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board expresses its deep concern regarding the reported incident involving harassment and abuse of Bangladesh national team cricketer Nayeem Hasan by some law enforcing agency members in Chattogram on Friday evening. The board strongly condemns the unacceptable and inappropriate conduct displayed towards the player and views the matter with the utmost seriousness. Such treatment of a national athlete is deeply regrettable and warrants immediate attention.

"The BCB expects a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and urges the relevant authorities to take appropriate action against those found responsible."

Newly elected BCB president Tamim Iqbal echoed these sentiments, stressing that the board was in close touch with Nayeem and his family.

"Whatever happened with Nayeem Hasan last night is not acceptable," Tamim wrote on Facebook. "After Nayeem called me last night, the other board officials and I have tried to do whatever we could to help him. We are speaking to everyone concerned, and have been in close touch with Nayeem and his family too."

"The BCB has issued a statement condemning the incident, and whatever needs to be done from here on will also be done by the board. We are always with Nayeem and other cricketers."