Last Updated on 21 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Bangladesh cricketer Nayeem Hasan was allegedly assaulted by police in an operation that did not appear to follow proper procedures according to Chattogram Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Amirul Islam.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Nayeem was travelling home from Dhaka airport after Prime Bank Cricket Club’s match in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. Travelling in a CNG-auto-run-rickshaw, Nayeem was stopped by officers near Chattogram’s Lalkhan Bazar area. He alleges the officers grabbed him by the throat and pushed him into another auto-rickshaw to take him to a police station.
Nayeem Hasan alleges police offers assaulted him in Chattogram, Bangladesh
Nayeem, as well as onlookers, repeatedly told the officers that he was a cricketer who has played for the national team. The offspinner has represented Bangladesh 14 times in Tests, taking 48 wickets at an average of 28.56 with four five-wicket hauls.
However, the comments fell on deaf ears according to Nayeem, who alleges the officers beat him with sticks and plastic pipes.
Speaking to reporters, a visibly distraught Nayeem said “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.”
Amirul Islam then made comments that suggest Nayeem has a strong case. If found guilty, the officers in question will be punished.
“It appears initially that the officers involved did not follow proper procedures during the operation,” Amirul told The Daily Sun. “We will ensure that he [Nayeem] receives justice, and whoever is found responsible will be brought under punishment.”
BCB, Bangladesh players react to the news and condemn treatment of Nayeem
Former opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, who is now BCB President, said the incident “is not acceptable”. In a statement on his social media page, Tamim said the board is supporting Nayeem and his family.
“Whatever happened with Nayeem Hasan last night is not acceptable. 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,” wrote Tamim.
“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.”
Mushfiqur Rahim also spoke out, saying he “wants fair justice for this incident”.
Nayeem has played 75 First Class matches, taking an impressive 300 wickets at an average of 27.67 with 20 five-wicket hauls. He has also featured in 89 List A matches (111 wickets) and 69 T20s (57 wickets).
