Case filed over harassment of cricketer Nayeem Hasan, three cops withdrawn

A case has been filed against three police personnel over allegations of detaining and harassing Bangladesh national cricket team spinner Nayeem Hasan, while the accused officers have been withdrawn from Khulshi Police Station and attached to police lines.

The development came after Nayeem’s brother, Sabbir Hasan, filed the case with Khulshi Police Station on Friday night (June 12), following the alleged incident near the Lalkhan Bazar flyover toll plaza in Chattogram.

According to the complaint and Nayeem’s account, the cricketer was returning home in a CNG-run auto-rickshaw from Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport after completing duties in the Dhaka Premier League when his vehicle was stopped by several individuals.

He alleged that despite identifying himself as a national team player, he was taken into custody on suspicion and later forcibly brought to Khulshi Police Station.

Nayeem further claimed that he was subjected to harassment inside the station, including physical assault by a sub-inspector who allegedly grabbed his throat and struck him with a baton.

“I thought it was a routine check, but I was later taken without any explanation. Even after identifying myself, they did not listen,” Nayeem was quoted as saying.

Eyewitnesses accompanying him also claimed that officers ignored confirmation of his identity as a national cricketer.

Police, however, said the action was taken based on intelligence regarding smuggling-related activity in the area.

Regarding the matter Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ariful Islam said an SI brought Nayeem to the station based on information from a source, adding that the cricketer was not informed in advance.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police North Division Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam said police operations were underway in the area in connection with smuggling-related intelligence. He acknowledged that preliminary findings suggest some officers may not have followed proper procedures during the operation, and an investigation is ongoing.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media and drawn strong reactions from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), with director Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir calling for swift action and exemplary punishment against those involved.

Authorities have assured a thorough investigation into the matter.