Bangladesh Cricket

Nayeem Hasan breaks down in tears while describing alleged police abuse

Sanjaya Mendis · · 3 min read
nayeem 13 06 2026

An Unsettling Ordeal for the National Spinner

The cricketing community has been left stunned following reports that Bangladesh national team spinner Nayeem Hasan was allegedly harassed and physically assaulted by law enforcement officials. The 25-year-old cricketer, fresh off his commitments in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), detailed an harrowing experience that occurred as he traveled from the airport to his residence in Chattogram. The incident, which Nayeem recounts with profound distress, has raised serious questions regarding the conduct of officers involved.

The Sequence of Events

Nayeem Hasan explained that the trouble began late in the evening after his flight landed around 10:20 pm. Unable to secure a private vehicle, the cricketer opted for a CNG auto-rickshaw. It was near the toll plaza that the situation took a dark turn. According to Nayeem, he was stopped by a traffic police officer under the guise of a routine bag inspection. However, what started as a seemingly standard check quickly descended into a frightening confrontation.

Nayeem alleges that an individual identified as SI Shafiq forcibly pushed him into a vehicle, locking the doors behind him. When Nayeem attempted to inquire about the reason for his detention, he claims he was told to remain silent and was labeled an accused person, despite no prior explanation or justification provided by the officers.

Physical Assault and Emotional Trauma

The situation escalated further when Nayeem attempted to defend himself. He alleges that SI Shafiq physically attacked him, grabbing him by the throat and seizing his mobile phone. Despite Nayeem identifying himself as a national team cricketer and having his identity confirmed by nearly 100 bystanders at the scene, the alleged abuse persisted. Even after the intervention of the public, he claims he was subjected to further aggression.

It was during the retelling of these events to the media that the weight of the ordeal became apparent. Nayeem Hasan breaks down in tears while describing alleged police abuse, specifically highlighting that he was struck with a baton by SI Shafiq. The cricketer expressed deep confusion and hurt, questioning why he was treated with such brutality despite repeatedly clarifying his identity and profession.

A Shift in Attitude

Nayeem described being taken to the police station, where he again identified himself to the officer-in-charge. According to the cricketer, the initial treatment was hostile, with the officer demanding he lower his eyes. However, the tone of the interaction changed drastically once the officer began receiving phone calls regarding the detained cricketer. This shift in demeanor has only served to fuel the concerns surrounding the legitimacy of his initial arrest and the conduct of the personnel involved.

Seeking Accountability

The allegations leveled by Nayeem Hasan are severe and warrant a thorough investigation. As a prominent figure in Bangladesh cricket, his account of being strangled and beaten while off-duty has sent shockwaves through the sporting landscape. The incident highlights the vulnerability of individuals when faced with arbitrary exercises of power. Nayeem has been vocal about his frustration, noting that he repeatedly reminded the officers of his status as a Test cricketer, yet his pleas were largely ignored until external pressure was applied via telephone.

As of now, the cricketing fraternity is waiting for a formal response and a transparent inquiry into the actions of the officers named by the spinner. The emotional toll on the young athlete is evident, as he continues to process the physical and psychological impact of that fateful night in Chattogram. The hope remains that justice will be served and that such incidents of alleged misconduct are addressed with the seriousness they deserve to prevent future occurrences.

Sanjaya Mendis

Sanjaya Mendis is a senior cricket writer for the Daily Mirror, and one of the most perceptive voices covering Sri Lankan cricket today. A University of Colombo journalism graduate, he began his career reporting on the island’s fiercely competitive school cricket circuit before graduating to the international beat. Sanjaya is especially known for his detailed breakdowns of spin bowling—a craft he understands intimately—and his ability to contextualise performances within Sri Lanka’s rich cricketing history. He has reported from Lanka Premier League seasons, bilateral series, and ICC tournaments, always with an eye for the human story behind the statistics. His award-winning features have taken him from the nets of Kalutara to the commentary boxes of Colombo, earning him a loyal readership. Sanjaya remains deeply committed to championing emerging talent and ensuring that the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers gets the recognition they deserve.