High Court Questions BCB Silence Over Harassment Claims

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a formal rule demanding an explanation for the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) persistent silence regarding serious allegations brought forward by former national women’s captain, Jahanara Alam. On Monday, 2 February, a bench comprising Mr Justice Ahmed Sohel and Madam Justice Fatema Anwar questioned the legality of the board's perceived inaction, marking a significant moment of judicial intervention in the sporting arena.

The Core of the Contention

The legal proceedings follow a writ petition filed in response to Jahanara Alam’s allegations of sexual harassment against Manjurul Islam, a former national cricketer who has served as a selector and manager for the women’s team. Despite the gravity of the claims—which surfaced last November—the BCB has been accused of "profound indifference" and a failure to initiate a transparent internal investigation.

The High Court’s ruling specifically asks the BCB to justify why its continued passivity should not be declared legally invalid. Furthermore, the court has directed the board to provide a comprehensive update on any steps taken, or intended to be taken, to address the grievance.

A Call for Institutional Accountability

During the hearing, the court underscored that institutional silence does more than just harm the individual; it creates a culture of fear. The bench observed that:

Transparency is non-negotiable across all sectors, whether in hospitals, factories, or sporting federations.

Accountability must be upheld to ensure that other potential victims are not deterred from seeking justice due to a lack of trust in the system.

Prompt Action is required to maintain the integrity of national institutions.

Timeline of the Jahanara Alam Case

The Broader Impact

The legal representatives for the petitioner argued that when a governing body as influential as the BCB remains "inert" in the face of harassment claims, it undermines the very fabric of justice. The court's observation that such matters must be treated with the utmost gravity serves as a stern reminder that no organisation is above the law, regardless of its stature in the world of sport.

This case is now viewed as a litmus test for how sporting bodies in the region handle safeguarding and the protection of female athletes from systemic abuse.