Bangladesh Cricketer Accuses Police of Physical Assault in Chattogram

Bangladesh's Test cricketer Nayeem Hasan has alleged that he was assaulted by local police in Chattogram late Saturday night. The incident occurred shortly after Nayeem returned to his hometown following a delayed flight from Dhaka, where he played his final match for Prime Bank Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier League.

Nayeem recounted the troubling events that unfolded while he was traveling home in a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw. At approximately 11:25 PM, police halted his vehicle beneath the Lankan Bazar flyover, demanding to see the driver's documents. Despite identifying himself as a national cricketer, Nayeem claims the officers disregarded his status and responded with aggression.

"I told the police, 'If necessary, you can check my bag,' but they grabbed me by the throat and said, 'Get in the car,'" Nayeem explained. He described how he was physically assaulted, stating that he was pushed into their vehicle and beaten after expressing his confusion over their actions.

In response to the accusations, Chattogram Metropolitan Police's Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam confirmed that an investigation is underway. "We can assure you that he (Nayeem) will get justice," he stated, emphasizing the department's commitment to accountability and the necessity of adhering to police protocols.

Nayeem's case highlights broader concerns about police conduct in Bangladesh, particularly regarding how those without public recognition might fare in similar situations. As he prepares to represent Bangladesh in an upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe, the incident raises pressing questions about the treatment of ordinary citizens by law enforcement.