Bangladesh national cricket team spinner Nayeem Hasan was unlawfully detained, beaten, and harassed by Khulshi Police Station officers on Friday night. The incident occurred in the toll plaza area while the cricketer was returning home from Chittagong Airport after competing in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL).
The assault has sparked widespread outrage across social media, leading to immediate administrative action. Three police officers have been withdrawn from Khulshi Police Station and attached to the police lines pending a formal investigation. The cricketer’s brother, Sabbir Hasan, has filed a case naming three accused individuals. The Assault at the Toll Plaza
Nayeem stated that a traffic officer stopped his CNG-powered auto-rickshaw at the toll booth under the pretext of a routine check. The situation escalated rapidly when Sub-Inspector (SI) Shafiq and other officers tried to force him into a vehicle without explanation.
"They tried to force me into the car without giving any reason," Nayeem said. "SI Shafiq pushed me, locked me inside the CNG, and grabbed my throat. When I asked what was happening, he told me, 'You are an accused. Shut up.' I was terrified. He confiscated my phone even as the people with me repeatedly confirmed my identity." Further Harassment at the Police Station
The harassment continued inside Khulshi Police Station. Nayeem alleged that he was assaulted and insulted even in the presence of the Officer-in-Charge (OC).
"I introduced myself as a national Test player, and about 100 people present at the scene confirmed who I was, but the police refused to listen," Nayeem stated. "The OC told me to keep my eyes down. SI Shafiq then beat me with a stick. I told him he had no right to touch me, but he kept hitting me."
Nayeem was only released after senior police officials and influential acquaintances intervened, prompting the station to realize their error. Two witnesses accompanying Nayeem confirmed that police completely ignored the cricketer's identity during the entire ordeal. Official Responses
Khulshi Police Station OC Ariful Islam claimed the detachment acted on a false smuggling tip provided by the station's second officer. "SI Shafiq brought Nayeem to the station without my prior knowledge," the OC stated.
Amirul Islam, Deputy Commissioner (North) of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), confirmed that a raid was underway based on smuggling intelligence but admitted protocol was breached. "It is initially believed that participating officers did not follow prescribed procedures. We are investigating the incident with the utmost seriousness," the DC said.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir strongly condemned the assault on the Chittagong-born athlete. "I demand that the culprits be brought to justice immediately and given exemplary punishment," he said, expressing deep concern over police misconduct.
