The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the formation of an investigation committee after former national women’s team captain Jahanara Alam alleged that she faced sexual harassment and psychological abuse from members of the team management during the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup.
In a recent interview on a YouTube channel hosted by journalist Riasad Azim, Jahanara accused former selector and manager Manjurul Islam and the late BCB official Towhid Mahmud of making indecent advances towards her.
She also alleged that other officials, including women’s cricket committee chief Nadel Chowdhury and BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, failed to act despite repeated complaints.
Jahanara, who has been on an indefinite break and currently resides in Australia, said she chose to speak out “so that future girls can play cricket in a safe environment.” She also claimed she was humiliated and sidelined after rejecting the advances.
Both Manjurul and BCB staffer Sarfaraz Babu have denied the allegations, terming them “baseless.” Manjurul, speaking to cricket news platform Cricbuzz from China, said, “You can ask other players whether I was good or bad.”
The BCB, acknowledging the seriousness of the accusations, said it would form a probe panel to investigate. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within 15 working days.
In a late-night statement on Thursday, the board confirmed the formation of a probe committee.
“Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the BCB has decided to form an inquiry committee. The board is committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all players and staff,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has issued a formal statement supporting Jahanara’s call for justice.
In a letter addressed to senior BCB officials, CWAB described her allegations as “deeply concerning” and urged the board to avoid any delay in completing the investigation.
“We do not want to see any kind of assurance or prolonged process here,” CWAB said, demanding swift and decisive action if wrongdoing is proven.
The organisation also urged the BCB to examine the broader environment across all levels of women’s cricket in Bangladesh to prevent future incidents.
Jahanara made her international debut in 2011 and last played for Bangladesh against Ireland in December 2024.
Courtesy: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
