Cricketer Nayeem taken to police station; 2 cops suspended, probe underway

Two police personnel, including a sub-inspector, have been suspended today (13 June) following an incident in which national cricket team off-spinner Nayeem Hasan was taken to a police station as a suspect in Chattogram, police said.

According to a press statement from Chattogram Metropolitan Police, sub-inspector Shafiqul Islam and constable Rasel Chowdhury were suspended over allegations of unprofessional behaviour.

Nayeem's family has also filed a case with Khulshi Police Station over the incident.

The plaintiff in the case, Nayeem's elder brother Kamrul Alam Sabbir, claimed that the cricekter was also assaulted. "Nayeem is emotionally devastated," he said.

CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali said police also detained a person who initially identified himself as a Detective Branch officer.

"A committee has been formed to conduct a full investigation into the incident," he said, adding that a separate inquiry was also examining the role of the individual who claimed to be a DB officer and the source of the information that led to the operation.

Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ariful Islam said SI Shafiqul brought Nayeem to the station based on intelligence information received through the station's second officer.

According to the information, there was suspicion that a smuggling-related consignment was being transported.

The OC said he had not been informed in advance about the operation and identified Nayeem only after he was brought to the station.

"After the matter became clear, Nayeem was released immediately," Ariful said.

He added that higher authorities reviewed the incident and found evidence of lapses in duty during the preliminary inquiry, leading to the closure of the officers concerned.

The OC also said police searched the bag Nayeem was carrying but found no illegal or suspicious items.

Earlier in the day, Nayeem told the media that he was forcibly taken to the police station while returning home from the airport.

He said he had arrived in Chattogram by air after completing Premier League matches. As his flight was delayed, he was travelling home in a CNG-run auto-rickshaw when several individuals blocked his way around midnight.

Nayeem alleged that he was forced into a vehicle and taken to the police station.

He said that after being allowed to use a phone, he first informed Bangladesh Cricket Board President Tamim Iqbal about the incident. Tamim later spoke with the OC.

Expressing disappointment over the incident, Nayeem said, "If such an incident can happen to me, then I feel bad thinking about what might happen in the case of ordinary people."

Several eyewitnesses who were with him claimed that despite identifying himself as a national team cricketer, the police personnel involved treated him as a suspect from the outset.

Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police's North Division Amirul Islam said legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible.

"The victim will definitely get justice. Even if the accused person is a police member, legal action will be taken. Our stance on this incident is zero tolerance," he said.

According to the deputy commissioner, police initially acted on information related to alleged smuggling. However, investigators are examining whether the information was credible and whether proper procedures were followed during the operation.

He said authorities are also reviewing whether the necessary approvals and institutional processes were followed.

"Apparently, indications of some mistakes and lapses have been found. If those are confirmed in the investigation, departmental action will be taken against those involved," he said.

Regarding allegations that Nayeem was assaulted, Amirul Islam said there was no scope for beating anyone during police operations.

He added that the reasons behind taking Nayeem to the station would become clear through the investigation and that punitive action would be taken if those involved failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their actions.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media and within the country's cricket community.

Meanwhile, in a post on his verified Facebook account, BCB President Tamim Iqbal described the incident involving Nayeem Hasan as "completely unacceptable".

He said that since receiving a call from Nayeem, he and other BCB directors had taken all immediate steps necessary and were in contact with the relevant authorities.

"A statement has been issued on behalf of BCB this morning expressing strong protest and condemnation. We will do everything else that needs to be done following this. We are always by the side of Nayeem and all cricketers," Tamim wrote.