Womens Cricket in Turmoil Following Jahanaras Allegations BCB Launches Investigation

Bangladesh’s sports community has been shaken by allegations of sexual harassment within women’s cricket. Former national team captain Jahanara Alam has accused Manjurul Islam Monju, a former selector and manager of the women’s team, along with several other officials, of sexual misconduct. The list of accused reportedly includes members of the coaching staff, team management, and physiotherapy unit.

To verify these allegations, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formed a three-member investigation committee. It has been learned that several other women cricketers have also come forward to share their experiences of harassment.

One of the members of the committee is Rubaba Dowla, BCB’s women’s wing director. However, questions have been raised regarding her inclusion in the committee, considering the sensitivity of the allegations and the positions of those involved.

Following the inauguration of the Bangladesh Cricket Conference on Saturday, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul and Director Amjad Hossain addressed the media, outlining the board’s stance and the details of the investigation process.

Amjad Hossain said, “As you know, a video interview was released on social media about 72 hours ago, which deeply disturbed us all. It caused a kind of tremor within the cricket fraternity. After reviewing the video, the board formed a three-member investigation committee, headed by a retired judge of the Appellate Division.”

He added, “The committee will work completely independently. They have been instructed to complete the investigation within 15 days and submit their report and recommendations. A copy of the report will be submitted to both the BCB and the National Sports Council. Further actions will be taken based on the findings of the report.”

Addressing the question about Rubaba Dowla’s inclusion, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said, “Rubaba is our only female director. The primary goal of this committee is to ensure an independent inquiry. A board representative is necessary to provide required internal information. The alleged incidents took place in 2021–22, and to our knowledge, the matter was resolved back then. No formal or written complaints were filed with the board afterward. Although we have learned about some issues through the media, we have still formed the investigation committee.”

He further stated, “What I want to emphasize is that anyone can bring a complaint, either verbally or in writing, to the board. The board will then address it with utmost seriousness. We are not labeling any information from the media as true or false.”

BCB Director Amjad Hossain confirmed that allegations from other players will also be included in the investigation. In his words,
“The committee members are highly experienced. They will independently investigate not only Jahanara Alam’s claims but also other recent allegations, prepare their findings and recommendations, and the board will act accordingly.”

He added, “Our board has a zero-tolerance policy toward any kind of harassment—verbal, physical, psychological, or cyber. There will be no exceptions, and strict action will be taken if the allegations are proven.”

Amjad continued, “We do not want to make decisions based on assumptions or emotions. Our goal is a fair and transparent investigation. If anyone is found guilty, justice must be ensured—that’s what we all want. This is why the investigation committee has been formed. We must allow them to work independently and avoid any perception of bias.”

According to BCB officials, the investigation committee is expected to submit its report within 15 days. The board has stated that the next course of action will depend entirely on the findings of that report.

Amjad Hossain concluded, “We want the investigation process to remain free from influence. If the allegations are proven, strict measures will be taken.