In a recent interview with The Riasat Azim YouTube channel, 32-year-old Jahanara alleged that former selector and team manager Manjurul Islam and other officials had harassed her during her time with the national team.
She described multiple incidents between 2021 and the 2022 Women’s World Cup that she said left her mentally distressed and eventually pushed her out of the squad.
Manjurul, now in China, dismissed the accusations as “baseless.”
BCB’s response and investigation
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BCB President Aminul Islam said during a press briefing that the board would take firm action once the inquiry concludes. “Even the Prime Minister of this country isn’t exempt from such rules,” he stated, adding that “if I go and harass someone, and it’s proven true, then I’m just an ordinary director not above the law.”
The BCB has formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by retired Justice Tariq ul Hakim, with BCB director Rubaba Dowla and Supreme Court advocate Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla as members. The committee has 15 working days to submit its report.
Meanwhile, four officials associated with women’s cricket have been placed on special duty pending the investigation.
Aminul reaffirmed that while the board stood by its zero-tolerance policy, the inquiry must be fair. “If the allegations are true, they will not be tolerated. But false accusations can destroy reputations, so those accused must be allowed to defend themselves,” he said.
The board’s official statement read: “The BCB is committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all players and staff. The board takes such matters with utmost seriousness and will take appropriate action based on the findings.”
Jahanara Alam’s allegations
Jahanara said she decided to speak up to protect other women cricketers who, according to her, faced similar harassment but feared professional backlash. She claimed she had previously written to the board but no action was taken.
Jahanara, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced players, has taken 48 wickets in ODIs and 60 in T20Is across 135 matches.
About the accused
Manjurul Islam, 46, a former left-arm seamer, represented Bangladesh in 12 Tests and 34 ODIs between 1999 and 2004. He later held several managerial and coaching positions within the board.
The controversy has shaken Bangladesh’s cricket establishment. While the BCB promises strict action, the case highlights how power dynamics in sports can silence victims. The inquiry’s outcome will test whether the board’s ‘zero tolerance’ promise is real — or just another statement in a growing list of unfulfilled assurances.
