The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said it will not take any decision based on speculation or emotion over the sexual harassment allegations made by former national cricketer Jahanara Alam.
The board insisted that only a full and independent investigation will determine the outcome.
Speaking to reporters early this week after the opening day of the Bangladesh Cricket Conference, BCB president Aminul Islam and director Amzad Hossain reiterated that the board’s three-member inquiry committee — announced on Saturday night — will handle the matter with full independence and report its findings within 15 working days.
“Our board has zero tolerance for any form of harassment — verbal, physical, mental, or online,” Amzad said. “But we will not act on suspicion. Every decision will be based on verified evidence and the committee’s report. If anyone is proven guilty, strict action will follow.”
The committee is led by a retired Supreme Court justice and includes BCB director Rubaba Dowla, the board’s only female director.
Aminul defended her inclusion amid concerns over potential conflicts of interest, explaining that a board representative was necessary to facilitate access to internal information.
Jahanara’s explosive allegations — made in a YouTube interview — accused former selector and manager Manjurul Islam and the late women’s wing chief Towhid Mahmud of harassment during the 2022 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Since then, former players Romana Ahmed and Reshma Aktar Aduri have come forward with similar claims, including one naming Nazmul Abedin, now BCB’s cricket operations head.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
