The deadline for submitting the investigation report into the alleged assault on national cricketer Nayeem Hasan in Chattogram’s Khulshi Police Station area has been extended by four days, with the new deadline set for June 22.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Shawkot Ali approved the extension. Earlier, the investigation committee was instructed to submit its report within five working days.
Alamgir Hossain Shimul, the head of the investigation committee and Deputy Commissioner (West Division) of the CMP, told TIMES of Bangladesh that 29 individuals have so far been questioned as part of the investigation.
He also noted that Kamruzzaman, who provided information during the search operation, is a member of an intelligence agency.
According to him, additional time was sought to verify documents and examine the backgrounds of those involved in the incident, which led to the extension of the deadline.
He said the committee would recommend legal action against those found responsible after completing the investigation.
He also clarified that the recent transfer of CMP North Division Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam is unrelated to the ongoing investigation and is part of routine administrative reshuffling.
The incident occurred on the night of 12 June, after Nayeem Hasan arrived in Chattogram from Dhaka. While travelling from the airport to his residence in a CNG auto-rickshaw, the vehicle was intercepted by police for a document check as it exited the expressway in the Lalkhan Bazar area.
According to allegations, Sub-Inspector Shafiqul Islam of Khulshi Police Station and a police source Sohel Hossain Sarkar allegedly assaulted the cricketer after pulling him from the vehicle using sticks and pipes.
The cricketer was then taken to the police station where he faced further harassment. He was eventually released from custody following the intervention of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials.
Following the incident, Sub-Inspector Shafiqul Islam and Constable Md Rasel Chowdhury were suspended, while the Officer-in-Charge of Khulshi Police Station Arifur Rahman was withdrawn.
Police source Sohel Hossain Sarkar was later arrested and shown in a separate case related to an attack on the Dampara Police Lines and the looting of arms and ammunition on 5 August, 2024.
He has since been sent to jail under a court order.
Nayeem Hasan, a resident of Faridarpur area under Chandgaon Police Station in Chattogram, is the son of former ward councillor and ex-vice president of Chattogram Metropolitan unit BNP Mahbub Alam.
CMP Commissioner has expressed regret over the incident.
