The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to form an inquiry committee to conduct a full and impartial investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by former captain of the Bangladesh women’s national cricket team, Jahanara Alam.
The decision was announced on Thursday (November 6) through an official media statement issued by the board.
According to the statement, “BCB has taken note of the allegations published in the media by a former member of the national women’s team. As the matter is sensitive, it has been decided to form a committee to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.” The committee has been instructed to submit its report and recommendations within 15 working days.
In an interview given to content creator Riasad Azim on social media, Jahanara claimed that during the 2022 Women’s World Cup, several members of the national team management made “inappropriate proposals” to her. She alleged that former women’s team manager, selector, and ex-pacer Manjurul Islam intentionally blocked her place in the national team after she rejected his advances.
She also accused the late Touhid Mahmud and BCB official Sarfaraz Babu of similar misconduct. Jahanara said she reported the matter to Women’s Wing Chairman Nadel Chowdhury and later officially informed BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury in writing.
However, Manjurul Islam has categorically denied the allegations, calling them “completely baseless” and stated, “Anyone can ask other players to understand what kind of person I am.”
Sarfaraz Babu responded, saying, “It is unfortunate to drag a deceased person into this. She should speak with evidence, not baseless claims.”
BCB stated that if the allegations are proven, appropriate actions will be taken. The board emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all players and officials.
Earlier, Jahanara had made separate accusations against the current captain and coaching staff, which BCB rejected at the time as “false, fabricated, and entirely untrue.” However, following the latest allegations, the board has now officially initiated a formal investigation.