Condemning Monday's barbaric attack on Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asif Hossain Khan and fellow shooters Shoebuzzaman and Ali Hossain Shipu, cook Jahangir and Ansar member Zannatul Ferdous at the National Shooting Complex, Hasina criticised the law-enforcing agency for putting sportsmen's life at risk.

"We have to protect people like Asif who has won us laurel from abroad. Sportsmen uphold the image of the country to the world and but the police have tortured them too. It's a disgrace," she told reporters after spending time with each of the injured.

Hasina also gave Tk one lakh for the treatment of the five.

It was also learned that young shooter Shipu will need an operation on a broken finger and the hospital authority has suggested him to contact a surgeon.

The shooters have decided to go for one hours' 'token strike' from today in front of the National Shooting Complex everyday.

Meanwhile, the national cricketers now in India, expressed their shock and disappointment over the incident. Captain Habibul Bashar on behalf of the entire squad strongly condemned the brutal attack that has left the career of Asif -- one of the country's top sportsmen -- in jeopardy.

The players are deeply saddened by the incident and consider such action on sportsmen as inexcusable. The team wished Asif a speedy recovery from his physical and mental trauma.

Although all concerned persons have come forward in support of the ailing, State Minister for Youth and Sports Fazlur Rahman's silence for five long days has stunned the sports arena. Surprisingly, the sports minister has not only made any comments but also failed to visit them.