Nayeem Hasan allegedly harassed by law enforcement agency in Chattogram

Bangladesh Test off-spinner Nayeem Hasan was allegedly harassed by members of a law enforcement agency in his hometown of Chattogram on Saturday.

The incident occurred late at night after Nayeem returned home following his final game for Prime Bank Cricket Club in the recently-concluded Dhaka Premier League, the country's traditional List A tournament, at BKSP in Dhaka on June 12.

Nayeem, who was the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe, appeared shaken while describing the incident after being released by the police, who had taken him to the police station following the alleged assault.

"My Premier League game was going on, my flight was delayed. I was coming from the airport through my CNG and at around 11:25 PM they (Police) stopped my CNG under the Lankan Bazar flyover and took the documents from the driver," Nayeem told reporters after being released.

"I told the police, 'If necessary, you can check my bag' but they grabbed me by the throat and said 'Get in the car' and took me into their car," he said.

"I said 'Why are you grabbing me by the throat' but they pushed me out. Then they grabbed me, beat me and abused me," he added.

"I even told them that I am a national cricketer and represent the country in Test matches but they hardly bothered to listen and only when they got phone calls and were informed about me, did they change their attitude," he added.

Amirul Islam, Deputy Police Commissioner (North), Chattogram Metropolitan Police, told reporters that the matter is being investigated and assured Nayeem that justice would be served.

"We can assure you that he (Nayeem) will get justice," said Amirul. "We are investigating the matter and whoever did it will be punished because we have zero tolerance in this regard considering police have a protocol and they must maintain that because our image is involved with it," he said.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) expressed its deep concern regarding the incident. In an official statement, the BCB said: "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 expects a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and urges the relevant authorities to take appropriate action against those found responsible."

The board also stated that it has been in touch with Nayeem and his family to offer all necessary support. It has also been actively engaging with the concerned authorities and administration in Chattogram to facilitate a proper resolution of this serious issue.

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