DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has set up a committee to probe allegations made by fast bowler Jahanara Alam, who claims a former selector behaved inappropriately with her during the 2022 ODI World Cup.
The board said the committee must submit its findings and recommendations within 15 working days.
In a statement released late Thursday night, the BCB expressed concern over the allegations, calling the matter “sensitive.” It said the investigation would be thorough and assured that “appropriate action” would be taken once the report is complete.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has noted with concern the allegations reported in the media by a former member of the national women’s cricket team,” the statement read.
“The BCB is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and professional environment for all players and personnel.”
In a YouTube interview, 32-year-old pacer Jahanara Alam accused several Bangladesh Cricket Board officials, including former selector and manager Manjurul Islam, of sexual harassment during the 2022 Women’s World Cup in South Africa.
Manjurul, who is currently in China, dismissed the allegations as “baseless.” Recalling the incident, Jahanara claimed that Manjurul “made inappropriate physical contact” and would “hug or press female players to his chest” under the guise of encouragement.
“This is all false,” Manjurul said in response. “You can ask other girls in the team.”
Manjurul, 46, is a former left-arm fast bowler who represented Bangladesh in 12 Tests and 34 ODIs between 1999 and 2004. He later worked in several coaching and managerial positions within the board.
Jahanara, who now lives in Australia claimed that two other BCB officials behaved inappropriately. According to her, the incidents were reported to former BCB director Shafiul Islam Nadel and CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury.
The claims follow her earlier interview where she accused Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana of physically assaulting team-mates allegations the BCB dismissed as “baseless.”
Jahanara has represented Bangladesh in 135 white-ball matches, taking 48 wickets in ODIs and 60 in T20Is. She is also the only Bangladeshi player to feature in both India’s Women’s T20 Challenge and the FairBreak Invitational T20.
Australian Women Cricketers ‘Stalked, Touched Inappropriately’ in India
