Bangladesh Women’s Cricketer Sexual Harassment Allegations: Jahanara Alam Accuses Former Selector Manjurul Islam
Bangladesh women’s cricketer sexual harassment allegations have sent shockwaves through the country’s cricket community. Veteran pacer Jahanara Alam, who has represented Bangladesh since 2007, has accused former national selector Manjurul Islam of repeated sexual harassment during and after the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup. In a YouTube interview, Jahanara described facing inappropriate behaviour and indecent proposals from Manjurul and other officials for more than a year. She said she stayed silent initially for fear of harming her career.
Bangladesh women’s cricketer sexual harassment Allegations of Misconduct and Ignored Complaints
According to Jahanara, Manjurul Islam often invaded her personal space and made unsolicited advances, using his position to pressure her. When she resisted, he allegedly humiliated her publicly. She claimed to have reported the harassment several times to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials, including women’s committee head Nadel Chowdhury and CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, but said her complaints were ignored. She later filed an “observation letter” detailing her experiences.
Culture of Fear Within the Team
Jahanara further alleged that the misconduct began when another official, known as Towhid Bhai, sent an intermediary with an indecent proposal. After she refused, Manjurul allegedly became vindictive and obstructed her career. She said other female players were also uncomfortable around him, describing his tendency to stand too close or make unwanted contact. Players, she said, often avoided post-match handshakes to protect themselves. The allegations underscore a culture of fear and lack of accountability in the women’s cricket setup.
Response from the Accused and BCB Reaction
Manjurul Islam denied the accusations, calling them “baseless” and urging journalists to verify his behaviour with other players. Another official, Sarfaraz “Babu” Bhai, also dismissed the claims. The BCB, however, acknowledged the seriousness of the matter. Vice-chairman Shakhawat Hossain confirmed that the board would discuss the case and launch an investigation if warranted. The statement signals a cautious but important step toward addressing harassment in sports administration.
Broader Implications for Women’s Cricket
The allegations have ignited debate over how women athletes are treated in Bangladesh and how complaints are handled. Jahanara warned that speaking up against powerful figures risks ending a player’s career. Advocates are now calling for independent complaint mechanisms and more women in leadership positions within the BCB. The issue could affect the national team’s preparations for upcoming tournaments, with Jahanara currently on a mental health break.
Calls for Accountability and Change
Jahanara Alam’s bravery in speaking out has intensified calls for reform. While Manjurul denies wrongdoing, the BCB’s pledge to examine the issue may lead to the first formal investigation of its kind in Bangladeshi cricket. The case could set a precedent for how sports institutions across South Asia handle misconduct claims. Fans and advocates alike hope it leads to a safer, more transparent environment for female athletes.
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