News Digest

Fugitive Bangladesh cricketer jailed over child maid torture allegations

Fugitive international cricket star Shahadat Hossain was remanded in jail on Monday shortly after he surrendered to a court over allegations of beating his 11-year-old maid, his lawyer said. Hossain, who has played 38 Tests for Bangladesh, went into hiding more than three weeks ago after police sought his arrest for allegedly abusing the girl he employed illegally in his home. The 29-year-old cricketer, who has also played 51 one-day internationals for Bangladesh, was suspended from all forms of the game on September 13 over the allegations.

We appealed to the court that Shahadat should be released on bail for the greater interest of the country.

Hossain’s lawyer, Kazi Nazibullah Hiru

Hossain’s lawyer, Kazi Nazibullah Hiru, told the court in Dhaka that the pace bowler was innocent and was not at home when the girl was allegedly beaten. "We said Shahadat is needed in the national team and he is a national hero. He helped Bangladesh win important matches,“ Hiru added. But the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court denied the bail request, remanding him to jail pending further hearings. The cricketer surrendered to the court one day after his wife, Nritto Shahadat, was arrested on Sunday at her parents’ home in Dhaka. Shahadat, who denied wrongdoing, was also taken into custody after a court denied her bail request.