A late-night incident involving a Bangladesh international cricketer has sparked widespread outrage, leading to the suspension of three police officers and the launch of an official investigation in Chattogram.
According to local reports, the suspended personnel include sub-inspector Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, constable Mohammad Rasel Chowdhury and another constable from the police operations management unit. Authorities have also formed a three-member committee to examine the allegations.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Shawkat Ali visited the cricketer’s residence on Saturday and said that disciplinary action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry. CMP Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam confirmed that an investigation was already underway and indicated that initial findings suggested proper procedures may not have been followed during the operation. He assured that accountability would be ensured and appropriate action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
The incident took place late on Friday night after Bangladesh off-spinner Nayeem Hasan returned to Chattogram from Dhaka. The 25-year-old had travelled with Prime Bank Cricket Club for a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match in Savar, although he did not play in the fixture.
Nayeem Hasan alleged that police officers stopped the CNG auto-rickshaw he was travelling in near Lalkhan Bazar and acted aggressively without providing any explanation. He claimed he was physically restrained, forced into another auto-rickshaw and taken to Khulshi Police Station.
Reports stated that several bystanders informed the officers that Nayeem Hasan was a Bangladesh international cricketer but the information reportedly had little impact on the situation. He was released in the early hours of Saturday and later returned home.
The allegations prompted strong reactions from fellow Bangladesh cricketers including Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das. Both the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh condemned the incident and called for appropriate action. BCB President Tamim Iqbal also voiced support for Nayeem Hasan, assuring that the board would stand by its players and take all necessary steps.
This certainly requires a thorough investigation.
