Bangladesh cricketer Nayeem Hasan alleges harassment by police, BCB calls for 'thorough and impartial' probe

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a stern statement after off-spinner Nayeem Hasan was allegedly harassed by police in Chattogram on Friday.

The incident took place when Nayeem was returning home from the Dhaka airport after his final game for Prime Bank Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier League, a domestic List-A competition.

According to ESPNCricinfo, Nayeem was in a CNG-run auto rickshaw and was stopped by police in Chattogram's Lalkhan Bazar area. The off-spinner described that the officers were hostile as they "caught him by the throat and pushed him into another auto-rickshaw to take him to a police station."

More from Firstcricket

BCB calls for impartial investigation over Nayeem's incident

The BCB expressed grave concern over Nayeem's incident and condemned the police officers' conduct towards a national team cricketer. The board also called for a thorough and impartial investigation.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board expresses its deep concern regarding the reported incident involving harassment and abuse of Bangladesh national team cricketer Nayeem Hasan by some law-enforcing agency members in Chattogram on Friday evening," the BCB statement said.

Also Read | India vs Afghanistan LIVE Score, 1st ODI at Dharamsala

"The board strongly condemns the unacceptable and inappropriate conduct displayed towards the player and views the matter with the utmost seriousness. Such treatment of a national athlete is deeply regrettable and warrants immediate attention," the board added.

Nayeem alleges police brutality; Deputy Commissioner reacts

Nayeem alleged that members of the law enforcement agency beat him "indiscriminately with sticks and plastic pipes" and they "refused to listen" when he told them who he was. The BAN off-spinner demands "a fair investigation and justice over the entire incident."

BCB President Tamim Iqbal also issued a statement on social media, saying, "After Nayeem called me last night, the other board officials and I have tried to do whatever we could to help him. We are speaking to everyone concerned, and have been in close touch with Nayeem and his family too."

Also Read | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's family continues to grab headlines as 10-year-old brother shines with stunning ton

Chattogram Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Amirul Islam said that action would be taken against those responsible for the incident.

"It appears initially that the officers involved did not follow proper procedures during the operation. We will ensure that he [Nayeem] receives justice, and whoever is found responsible will be brought under punishment," Amirul told The Daily Sun.

Nayeem was recently named in Bangladesh's 15-member squad which would travel to Zimbabwe for a one-off Test this month.