Former Bangladesh Cricketer Jahanara Alam Alleges Sexual Harassment: Accused Manager Denies Claims, What Is the BCB Saying?

Dhaka, Bangladesh — Former national women’s cricket team captain and pacer, Jahanara Alam, has made a serious accusation of sexual harassment, which some are calling one of the most “heinous” incidents in Bangladeshi cricket.

In a recent interview with sports journalist Riyasad Azim, the 32-year-old cricketer claimed that during the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, she and several of her teammates were subjected to inappropriate behaviour by team officials, including the selection committee head and manager, Manjurul Islam.

According to Alam, Manjurul, along with other officials, frequently engaged in “indecent behaviour” under the guise of encouragement, often touching players inappropriately, including hugs and unwanted physical contact.

Manjurul Islam, now 46 and residing in China, has strongly denied these allegations. In a statement to the AFP news agency, he called the accusations “baseless,” adding, “It’s all false. You can ask the other girls on the team.”

Manjurul, a former left-arm pacer who played 12 Test matches and 34 ODIs for Bangladesh between 1999 and 2004, had transitioned to coaching and management roles after retiring from cricket. Alam, on the other hand, has represented Bangladesh in 135 international white-ball matches, taking 48 wickets in ODIs and 60 in T20s.

BCB Under Fire for Inaction

Alam further revealed that she had previously reported the incident to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in writing, but no action had been taken at the time. However, following her public accusations, the BCB has now formed an investigation committee, which is expected to submit its findings within 15 working days.

In a statement, the BCB reiterated its commitment to ensuring a “safe, respectful, and professional” environment for all players. BCB Vice-President Shakhawat Hossain emphasised that the matter is “extremely serious” and must be investigated thoroughly.

Support for Alam from the Cricket Community

Former Bangladesh men’s cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal has expressed his support for Alam, stating that he has learned of additional instances of misconduct after her allegations came to light. On Facebook, Tamim urged female cricketers who have faced harassment or mistreatment to speak out without fear. He emphasised the importance of addressing such incidents to protect the future generations of cricketers in the country.

Tamim also called for an independent investigation into the matter, suggesting that an independent committee from the National Sports Council or government should oversee the inquiry, with no BCB involvement to ensure impartiality. “The investigation must be swift, and appropriate action should be taken against anyone found guilty,” he said.

Another former captain, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, also voiced his concerns, stating on Facebook, “I hope the BCB will give serious attention to every one of Jahnara Alam’s allegations in the interest of Bangladeshi cricket and the entire sports community.”

Mashrafe further added that the BCB’s investigative committee should operate without bias and, if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate measures should be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Government and Player Support

In a separate interview with a private television channel, sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan assured that the government would offer legal support and necessary measures should Jahnara Alam seek assistance. He also stated that the government would follow a zero-tolerance policy to ensure the safety of female athletes and would offer full support in uncovering the truth behind the allegations.

The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has also expressed solidarity with Alam, calling for a swift and impartial investigation. The association has pledged to offer full support to Alam throughout the process.

As this high-profile case unfolds, the cricketing world watches closely to see how the investigation develops and whether the promises of justice and accountability will be upheld.