Nayeem Hasan breaks down in tears while describing alleged police abuse
A Shocking Ordeal for a National Athlete
Bangladesh national team spinner Nayeem Hasan has brought forward grave allegations of harassment and physical assault against police officers in Chattogram. The incident occurred shortly after he returned home from competing in the prestigious Dhaka Premier League (DPL). The 25-year-old Test cricketer, who has proudly represented his country on the international stage, shared his traumatic experience with reporters, visibly shaken by the events. While describing the harrowing experience to reporters, the young athlete became emotional and broke down in tears, highlighting the severe emotional and physical toll of the incident.
The Timeline of the Incident
According to Nayeem Hasan, the incident took place shortly after he landed in Chattogram following his final DPL match of the season. His flight landed at around 10:20 PM, a time when public transport options were scarce. Unable to secure a standard private car, Nayeem decided to travel using a local CNG auto-rickshaw to reach his family home. However, his journey was abruptly and aggressively interrupted near the local toll plaza when a traffic police officer stopped the vehicle.
Initially, Nayeem assumed it was a routine vehicle inspection. Another officer approached and stated that the vehicle needed to be checked thoroughly. ‘I thought they were going to inspect my bags,’ Nayeem recalled. However, the situation quickly escalated far beyond a standard security check, turning into a terrifying and hostile confrontation with individuals who identified themselves as members of the Detective Branch (DB).
Allegations of Detention and Physical Abuse
The cricketer claimed that these individuals attempted to detain him without any valid explanation. Nayeem alleged that Sub-Inspector (SI) Shafiq pushed him into a police vehicle and locked the door. Terrified and confused, Nayeem repeatedly asked what was happening, only to be met with threats and hostility. ‘SI Shafiq pushed me into a vehicle and locked the door. I kept asking what had happened. I became scared. He told me, “You are an accused person. Stay quiet and don’t say a single word,”‘ Nayeem explained.
The situation escalated from verbal hostility to physical violence. Nayeem alleged that he was strangled, had his mobile phone confiscated, and was even beaten with a baton. ‘He grabbed me by the throat. I started shouting and called my father. They took my phone away as well,’ the spinner claimed. Despite his attempts to seek help and de-escalate the situation, the physical abuse allegedly continued.
Bystander Witness Testimony Ignored
As the altercation unfolded, several bystanders gathered at the scene. Many of them immediately recognized Nayeem as a national team cricketer and attempted to intervene by confirming his identity to the officers. Despite nearly 100 people confirming who he was, the officers allegedly ignored their statements. ‘The people who were there confirmed who I was, but he still kept holding my throat,’ Nayeem said, weeping as he recalled the helplessness he felt.
He described the officers involved, noting that one was in police uniform while another wore a panjabi. Despite his status as a national athlete and the backing of dozens of witnesses, the officers proceeded to transport him to the police station. ‘I told them that I am a national team player and that I play Test cricket for Bangladesh. There were nearly 100 people there who confirmed my identity. Even then, they did not listen. Instead, they grabbed me by the throat and took me to the police station,’ Nayeem added, questioning why he was treated like a criminal.
The Situation at the Police Station
Upon arriving at the police station, Nayeem attempted to resolve the situation by introducing himself to the officer-in-charge (OC). However, he was initially met with further disrespect. ‘I introduced myself to the officer-in-charge and told him who I was. He told me to lower my eyes while speaking to him,’ Nayeem shared. The breakthrough in the situation only came when external phone calls regarding Nayeem’s detention started reaching the station. ‘Later, when he started receiving phone calls about me, his attitude completely changed,’ Nayeem noted.
Nayeem made direct allegations against SI Shafiq for the physical violence he suffered during the ordeal. ‘SI Shafiq hit me with a baton. I told him he had no right to lay hands on me, but he still hit me,’ Nayeem alleged. The cricket community and fans across the country have expressed deep concern over the safety of citizens and national athletes alike following these shocking revelations, calling for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
