An alleged case of police brutality against Bangladesh spinner Naeem Hasan has sparked an uproar in the country. The 26-year-old cricketer claims that uniformed officers stopped him on a street in Chattogram on Friday night, beat him badly and then hauled him off to a police station.
When and how it unfolded
The incident took place as Naeem was heading home via Dhaka airport after featuring in a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match. According to ESPNcricinfo, police halted the CNG auto-rickshaw he was travelling in midway through his journey and allegedly forced him into a different auto-rickshaw.
The player's account
Speaking to journalists in Chattogram, Naeem said he tried again and again to tell the officers who he was, but no one was willing to listen. In his own words, the episode sounds even more startling.
“I told them repeatedly who I was, but they refused to listen. The police beat me mercilessly with sticks and plastic pipes. Later, when I identified myself at the station, an officer told me to keep my eyes down while speaking.”
The cricketer went on to question whether these so-called officers were genuine at all, and pleaded for an impartial inquiry.
“If they really were police officers, why did they put me in a CNG instead of a police vehicle? I want a fair investigation into this whole incident and justice,”
Police admit a lapse
As the pressure mounted, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police itself acknowledged that its personnel had erred. Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam said the matter was under investigation and that the officers involved had strayed from the laid-down procedure. He told The Daily Sun:
“It initially appears that the officers concerned did not follow the correct procedure during the operation. We will ensure that Naeem gets justice and that whoever is found responsible is punished.”
The board steps in
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also taken the episode very seriously, issuing a statement that voiced sharp displeasure. Calling the treatment meted out to a national player unacceptable, the board demanded action against those at fault.
“The board strongly condemns the unacceptable and improper treatment of the player and views the matter with the utmost seriousness. Such behaviour towards a national player is deeply unfortunate and warrants immediate attention. The BCB expects a full and impartial investigation into the incident and urges the authorities concerned to take appropriate action against whoever is found responsible.”
