The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is facing a storm of controversy following explosive allegations of sexual harassment made by former women's captain Jahanara Alam. The accusations, which name former selector and manager Manjurul Islam and other officials, have sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting the BCB to promise a zero-tolerance approach and launch an independent probe.
Alam, a 32-year-old pacer who represented Bangladesh in 135 white-ball matches, detailed her experiences in a YouTube interview, alleging that Manjurul Islam made inappropriate physical contact during the 2022 Women's World Cup in South Africa. She claimed he "often hugged or pressed female players to his chest" under the guise of encouragement. Alam also stated that she had previously written to the BCB about these issues, but no action was taken. Furthermore, she accused the late Towhid Mahmud, former in-charge of BCB's women's division, of similar misconduct.
Manjurul Islam, currently in China, has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "baseless". He challenged Alam to provide proof of her claims.
The BCB has reacted swiftly, forming a three-member committee to investigate the allegations. The committee is headed by retired Appellate Division Justice Tariq-ul Hakim and includes BCB Director Rubaba Dowla and Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla. The board has set a 15-working-day deadline for the committee to submit its findings and recommendations.
BCB President Aminul Islam and Director Amzad Hossain addressed the media, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter but cautioning against premature judgment. Amzad emphasized that the committee would conduct its work impartially and without external influence. "As you all know, a video interview was released on social media about 72 hours ago. It moved us and made us shiver," Amzad stated.
In a statement, the BCB reaffirmed its commitment to a "safe, respectful, and professional environment" for all players and personnel. BCB Vice-President Shakhawat Hossain stated, "We have to investigate this, since it's a serious matter". The board has a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment, including verbal, physical, mental, and cyber harassment, and has pledged strict action if the investigation substantiates Alam's claims.
The allegations have resonated throughout the cricketing community, with other national cricketers like Rumana Ahmed and former cricketer-coach Reshma Akter Aduri sharing similar experiences. Reshma made serious allegations against Nazmul Abedin, who was the head of the BCB's women's wing and is now the head of cricket operations. The committee will also look into these complaints.
In light of the allegations, the BCB has placed four officials on special duty (OSD): manager S M Golam Faiyaz, physio Suraiya Akter, coach Mahmud Emon, and official Sarfaraz Babu.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the BCB to include at least two independent experts with experience in investigating sexual harassment in the committee to ensure full professionalism, impartiality, and effectiveness. TIB also expressed concern over the BCB's lack of safeguarding policies and institutional frameworks to prevent sexual harassment.
The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the future course of action and in reassuring the public and players of the BCB's commitment to a safe and respectful environment. The board has stated that it will take appropriate actions based on the committee's report.
