Bangladesh Test off-spinner Nayeem Hasan has alleged that he was physically assaulted and harassed by police officers in his hometown of Chattogram late on Saturday night, sparking an inquiry by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police. The 25-year-old cricketer, recently named in Bangladesh's squad for the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe, described the ordeal in detail after his release from custody.

What Nayeem Says Happened

According to Nayeem, the incident unfolded at around 11:25 PM near the Lankan Bazar flyover in Chattogram, after he returned from the airport following Prime Bank Cricket Club's final Premier League — Bangladesh's top List A competition — match of the season. His flight had reportedly been delayed.

'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 stopped my CNG under the Lankan Bazar flyover and took the documents from the driver,' Nayeem said.

He alleged that despite cooperating with officers and offering to have his bags checked, the situation escalated rapidly. '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.

Cricketer Status 'Made No Difference Initially'

Nayeem claimed that identifying himself as a national cricketer had no immediate effect on the officers' conduct. '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 said.

He further alleged: 'I said "Why are you grabbing me by the throat" but they pushed me out. Then they grabbed me, beat me and abused me.' The incident has drawn significant attention across Bangladesh's cricket community, given Nayeem's imminent international assignment.

Police Response and Inquiry

Amirul Islam, Deputy Police Commissioner (North) of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police, acknowledged the allegations and assured reporters that a formal investigation was underway. 'We can assure you that he will get justice,' Amirul said.

'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 added. Action against any officers found guilty has been promised.

Context and Broader Significance

This comes amid heightened scrutiny of law enforcement conduct in Bangladesh, where accountability for police misconduct remains a persistent public concern. Nayeem's profile — he is a recognised Test-level cricketer — has amplified the incident beyond a routine complaint. Notably, allegations of police overreach against civilians, including public figures, have periodically surfaced in Bangladesh's major cities. The case is now being closely watched ahead of the Zimbabwe Test series, with cricket officials and fans alike awaiting the outcome of the inquiry.