The investigation committee formed to look into the alleged harassment of Bangladesh national team cricketer Nayeem Hasan has submitted its final report, recommending departmental action against three police personnel, including two who were already temporarily suspended.
The report also put forward a seven-point set of recommendations aimed at preventing such unprofessional conduct in the future.
Those facing action are Khulshi Police Station SI Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan , Constable Md Rasel Chowdhury, and a third unidentified police member. In the primary investigation, Shafiqul and Rasel had been temporarily suspended on charges of unprofessional behaviour.
Committee members handed over the probe findings to Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali on Sunday.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, the CMP commissioner said the investigation has primarily established the involvement of the accused officers. “Apart from the two earlier suspensions, punitive measures have been recommended against one more individual,” he said. “There will be no further inquiry. Departmental proceedings will be initiated based on this report.”
Beyond punitive measures, the investigation committee has proposed a seven-point strategy to avert similar incidents in the future. These include specialised training on behavioural and human rights issues for police personnel, regular briefings, motivational sessions to enhance professionalism, and ensuring swift disciplinary action in cases of misconduct.
The controversy dates back to the night of 12 June, when Nayeem Hasan was picked up by police from Lalkhan Bazar intersection in the city and taken to Khulshi Police Station after his auto-rickshaw had been stopped. The cricketer alleged that he was physically assaulted during the incident.
Nayeem had returned to Chattogram by air that day after playing a Dhaka Premier Division match. He was intercepted by police while heading home to Chandgaon from the airport.
Police later sprang into action after receiving phone calls from Bangladesh Cricket Board officials. His family members and senior police officers rushed to the station and secured his release.
The following afternoon, the CMP commissioner visited Naeem’s residence in Bahaddarhat’s Faridar Para area to express regret over the episode. In response to the incident, authorities had already suspended SI Shafiqul Islam and Constable Russell Chowdhury, and withdrawn Khulshi Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Arif Hossain.
However, whether Arif Hossain is the third individual to be named in the report, or whether the investigation found the involvement of another individual, has not been confirmed by authorities.
CMP Commissioner formed the investigation committee on 18 June, headed by Deputy Commissioner (West) Alamgir Hossain. Although the panel was initially scheduled to submit its report on 18 June, the commissioner granted an extension of four working days.
