She had previously reported these incidents in detail.
Former Bangladesh women’s cricket captain Jahanara Alam has sparked widespread debate after alleging sexual harassment by team management.
Her revelations, shared in a YouTube interview while she is currently living in Australia, have shaken the country’s sports community.
Jahanara accused former women’s team manager and selector Manjurul Islam and the late Towhid Mahmud of inappropriate conduct during her national team tenure.
She revealed that she had previously reported these incidents in detail to BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury in 2022, but no meaningful action was taken.
The allegations come after Jahanara had previously spoken about favouritism and abusive practices within the women’s cricket team, which were less severe.
At the time, the women’s wing chairman, Shafiul Alam Nadel, claimed her letter mentioned no harassment and only raised concerns about performance feedback.
Nadel said that the complaints about Manjurul’s behaviour were addressed by removing him from the women’s team, without further action.
He also suggested that unproven allegations could require the board to take steps against unnecessary controversy for former players and staff.
Rumana Ahmed, Jahanara’s longtime teammate, has publicly supported her claims.
She described the isolating behaviour Jahanara Alam faced during practice sessions and team interactions.
Rumana said that Manjurul would get unusually close when speaking to Jahanara.
According to her, even junior players noticed his behaviour.
While she personally did not experience harassment, Rumana emphasised that complaints were ignored.
She added that management often gave assurances without taking concrete steps.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced a formal committee to investigate the claims, with a report expected within fifteen working days.
Former men’s team captain Tamim Iqbal has called for an independent committee outside the BCB to ensure impartiality in the investigation process.
Government sports advisor Asif Mahmud confirmed that authorities would fully support Jahanara and ensure exemplary punishment if allegations are verified.
He added that legal action will be pursued if Jahanara wishes, given the criminal nature of the sexual harassment case.
Manjurul, who is currently in China, responded on Facebook, stating that he welcomes the BCB inquiry and is prepared to cooperate fully.
Public figures, fans, and former athletes have widely commented on social media, urging transparency and a serious response to the claims.
As the investigation proceeds, the cricket fraternity is closely watching the case.
Watch the full Interview:
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