BCB, CWAB and cricketers condemn harassment of Nayeem, demand action

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and several national cricketers on Saturday condemned the alleged physical assault and harassment of Bangladesh spinner Nayeem Hasan by police personnel in Chattogram, calling for a thorough investigation and action against those responsible.

According to a CWAB press release, Nayeem was stopped by police near Lalkhan Bazar while returning home to Chattogram after playing a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match in Savar on Friday.

"According to reports, the police displayed hostile behaviour from the outset. When Nayeem attempted to speak, officers allegedly grabbed him by the throat. Despite numerous bystanders informing the police that he was national cricketer Nayeem Hasan, he was reportedly beaten with a pipe," the press release said.

"Nayeem was then taken to Khulshi Police Station, where he was allegedly subjected to further mistreatment. The officers only backed off when Nayeem managed to call for assistance," it added.

CWAB said such an incident was unacceptable for any citizen and expressed its full support for Nayeem.

"CWAB President Mohammad Mithun has already spoken with Nayeem and assured him that all cricketers in the country stand by his side," the statement added.

In a separate statement, the BCB expressed deep concern over the reported incident involving the Bangladesh national team cricketer and strongly condemned what it described as "unacceptable and inappropriate conduct" towards the player.

"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 BCB said.

BCB called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and urged the relevant authorities to take appropriate action against those found responsible.

The BCB also said it had remained in close contact with Nayeem and his family since learning of the matter and was providing all necessary support. It added that board officials had been engaging with the concerned authorities and administration in Chattogram to facilitate a proper resolution of the issue.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity and rights of all its players and will continue to monitor developments closely," the statement added.

Support also poured in from fellow national cricketers, with Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das describing the incident as "deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable."

"Keep your head high, Nayeem. You are a wonderful person," Litton wrote on Facebook.

"As a colleague and teammate, I am truly saddened by this incident. No citizen of this country deserves such treatment, let alone a national cricketer who has represented Bangladesh with pride. Hoping for a fair and proper investigation, and that justice is delivered as soon as possible," he added.

Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain Emon also condemned the alleged incident, describing it as "highly condemnable, unfortunate and alarming."

"A national team player is the pride and asset of the country. Such alleged behaviour toward him is not just an assault on an individual, but an attack on the dignity of the country's sports arena," Emon wrote on Facebook.

"Whoever is involved in this incident must be swiftly identified, brought to justice, and handed exemplary punishment. I strongly condemn and protest this heinous incident," he added.

Meanwhile, several videos related to the incident have been circulating on social media since late Friday night. In one of the videos, Nayeem alleged misconduct and physical assault by police officers.

"I was playing in the [Dhaka] Premier League, and my flight was delayed. After arriving at the airport, I took a CNG and was on my way home. Around 11:25pm, under the Lalkhan Bazar flyover, police stopped my CNG and took the driver's documents. I told them, 'You can check my bag if needed.' One of the officers grabbed me by the throat and said, 'Get in the vehicle,' forcing me into their vehicle.

"I managed to get out and asked, 'Why are you grabbing me by the throat?' After that, they continued assaulting and harassing me. Later, many people recognised me, and I showed them my ID card, but they still kept beating me," Nayeem told reporters at the police station on Friday night.

Nayeem, who made his international debut in 2018, has played 14 Tests and taken 48 wickets. He is also part of Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe, which begins in Harare on June 28.

The 26-year-old off-spinner has also taken 300 wickets in first-class cricket.