Three members of the police, including a sub-inspector (SI), have been withdrawn from Khulshi Police Station and attached to police lines after Bangladesh national cricketer Nayeem Hasan alleged that he was assaulted and harassed by police officers in Chittagong on Friday night.
The incident took place in the Lalkhan Bazar area of the city. Nayeem later alleged that he was taken to Khulshi Police Station and subjected to further harassment there.
Speaking to reporters, Nayeem said he arrived in Chittagong on a delayed flight from Dhaka at around 10:20pm after completing his Premier League commitments. He was travelling home in a CNG-powered autorickshaw after leaving Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong.
According to Nayeem, the police signalled the autorickshaw to stop in the Lalkhan Bazar area. He alleged that several officers, identifying themselves as members of the Detective Branch (DB), took the driver's documents and attempted to force him out of the vehicle.
"I identified myself as a national team cricketer and showed my ID card, but they did not listen," Nayeem claimed.
He alleged that SI Shafiqul Islam struck him with a baton, while another individual, identified as police source Sohel, also assaulted him.
Naeem said a crowd gathered at the scene and several people recognized him, but the alleged assault continued.
He further alleged that officers initially attempted to take him away in another autorickshaw before eventually taking him to Khulshi Police Station.
According to Nayeem, he was questioned in the officer-in-charge's room and felt harassed during the interaction.
He said his mobile phone was taken from him after he was stopped, and was returned only after he reached the police station. He then contacted former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who informed Bangladesh Cricket Board director Israfil Khasru about the incident.
"I want a fair investigation and proper punishment for those responsible. Today it happened to me, but ordinary people may not receive the same support," Nayeem said.
Deputy Commissioner (North) of Chittagong Metropolitan Police Amirul Islam told reporters that police had received information about suspected gold smuggling involving an autorickshaw.
"We are verifying the accuracy of that information and whether the officers followed proper procedures before conducting the operation," he said.
He added that an investigation was underway and that any officers found to have violated regulations would face departmental action.
Police sources said SI Shafiqul Islam conducted the operation based on information reportedly provided by SI Monirul Islam, who is currently on leave in Dhaka. The information allegedly originated from an intelligence source regarding suspected gold smuggling.
Nayeem's father, Mahbubul Alam, said he rushed to the police station after learning of the incident.
"When I arrived at the station, the duty officer behaved inappropriately with me. I want a fair investigation and justice," he said.
Following the incident, relatives, supporters and cricket fans gathered at the police station, demanding action against those involved.
On Saturday morning, Nayeem's brother, Sabbir Alam, filed a case with Khulshi Police Station. The case names SI Shafiqul Islam, Constable Russell and police source Sohel as accused, alleging assault and attempted abduction.
Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Arifur Rahman said he was not informed in advance about the operation.
"I learned of Nayeem's identity after he was brought to the police station. We expressed regret and requested him to leave, but he wanted action taken against those involved first," the OC said.
He added that SI Shafiqul Islam, Constable Russell and another officer involved in the operation were immediately withdrawn pending investigation.